Police are working to formally identify a body found in a black SUV in the Auckland suburb of Sunnyhills - believed to be that of Elizabeth Zhong's

The successful businesswoman with links to the wine and film industries, was reported missing on Saturday morning.

Police are continuing their homicide investigation today.

Neighbours say a Chinese man was regularly seen parked outside her East Auckland home in the months before the body was found in the boot of her car.

They say the man would sit and watch her property for hours on end -- until it stopped about three weeks ago.

One neighbour says it was common for police to visit Zhong's home.