A heartfelt thanks from the family of missing Christchurch real estate Yanfei Bao , as the hunt resumes for her body

Water levels have reduced at Halswell River and Lake Ellesmere - allowing the Police dive squad and an aerial team, to continue their search.

Bao's husband, Paul Gooch, is thanking family, friends and the general public for the outpouring of kind words and unwavering support.

He says the family cannot express how grateful they are for more than 40-thousand dollars in donations made online.

Gooch says the only desire now, is to have Bao returned to them, so they can find closure and begin grieving.