Translation issues have slowed down the murder trial - into the death of Yanfei Bao, at the Christchurch High Court

Chinese national Tingjun Cao is accused of murdering the 44-year-old real estate agent last year.

Her body was found in a shallow grave in farmland more than a year later.

The first witnesses are due to take the stand today - including Bao's partner.

But, the court's morning session was adjourned to allow interpreters to finish translating Monday's Crown and Defence openings, for the defendant.