Vani Liu was the first person Yanfei Bao’s husband called when the “incredibly caring” mother of one was first reported missing.
Vani spoke to Chris Lynch on Saturday, the same day she set up a Give A Little Page to help her much loved friend’s family cope with the traumatic news that Yanfei Bao won’t be coming home.
Vani said Yanfei’s parents were traveling to New Zealand for the first time with “shattered hearts, seeking answers and closure for their missing daughter.”
Bao was last known to have visited a for sale house in Hornby late on the morning of Wednesday, July 19.
At a media conference last week, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves made a somber declaration, expressing her belief that she no longer believed Yanfei was alive.
Vani told Chris Lynch she met Yanfei when she moved to New Zealand.
Vani Lui with her best friend Yanfei Bao at a dinner they shared earlier this month Photo: Supplied to Chris Lynch Media with permission
“Yanfei is one of my closest friends in New Zealand. I was flatmates with her when I first moved to New Zealand. Through that we became really close and would constantly update each other on the big moments of our lives.
“Yanfei was energetic, and endlessly positive. She is an incredibly caring person and would always want to share her happiness.
“When she was with Harcourts, there was a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream day and she invited me to come along because it’s the kind of person she is.
Vani Lui said when she first heard the news that Yanfei was missing she was filled with “shock and sadness.”
She was the first person Yanfei’s husband Paul Gooch called when he realised she was missing. That night, Vani Lui was at his house doing whatever she could to support him.
“The news has absolutely devastated her family – they cannot believe and are holding out some hope that she might be found.”
Paul Gooch with Yanfei Bao (Photo used with permission of Paul)
“I met Paul through Yanfei. As she and Paul fell in love.”
On the Give a Little Page, Vani Liu said “with heavy hearts we ask to extend our support and help ease the burden faced by the family of Yanfei Bao, a dedicated real estate agent who has tragically disappeared while showing a house in Hornby.
“The police now believe that Yanfei has been murdered, leaving her family devastated and in deep sorrow.
On the Give A Little page, Vani Liu said “Yanfei was not only a skilled professional but also a beloved partner to Paul, a cherished daughter, and a loving mother to her young child, Momo.
“As her family, friends, and community, we cannot fathom the pain they are enduring, and we want to offer our assistance during this unimaginably difficult time.
Vani Liu said “Yanfei’s parents are traveling to New Zealand for the first time with shattered hearts, seeking answers and closure for their missing daughter.
“The journey comes with immense emotional and financial challenges, as they face the reality of the situation. In this trying moment, they need all the love and financial support we can provide to help them cope with the devastating loss.
Vani Liu said “generous contributions will be provided directly to Yanfei’s partner Paul to provide essential support to those most affected by Yanfei’s disappearance including Paul, her parents, and her child Momo.”
