Kidnapping motive mystifies 'simple-living' Chinese couple

The husband of kidnap victim Qing Zhao cannot think of any reason his family was the target of a terrifying home invasion.

The businessman said his wife might have been kidnapped for a $1 million ransom because the men could not find anything of value in their home.

He said his family did not openly display their wealth and described their life as "simple".

He did not have enemies or any business competitors who might want to harm the family, the man told the Chinese Herald newspaper.

His wife was held captive for 20 hours after three Asian men took her from their East Auckland home about 3am on Monday.

The husband told police he wanted his wife to come home alive and as soon as possible.

Qing Zhao was dumped unconscious, bound, gagged and blindfolded in an industrial area of Onehunga about 20 hours after being kidnapped. Police said she was not physically harmed but had been mentally traumatised by the ordeal.

Chinese Herald managing director Raymond Chen said the husband told him he was mystified as to a motive and the family would not feel safe until the kidnappers were caught.

Qing Zhao's parents, who were with her during the home invasion, said their daughter was marched through the house looking for a safe but the home did not have one.

They said the men were looking for cash and jewellery but the family did not keep significant amounts of money in the house, and did not own a great deal of jewellery.

Qing Zhao's elderly father suffered cuts on his hand trying to protect his daughter.

Her parents had arrived in New Zealand in December for a short visit and their passports were taken during the home invasion.

The elderly couple said they could not see the men because it was dark except for light from their torches.

Qing Zhao's husband said he did not pay any money for the return of his wife.

"He wants to stress that he didn't pay one cent to the kidnappers and that he never talked to the kidnappers after it [the attack] happened," said Mr Chen.

He had praised the police for their handling of the kidnapping and did not understand how it could have happened in "this lovely country".