Bella Te Pania, 33, was allegedly murdered in the early hours of New Year's Eve near Christchurch Airport. Photo: NZ Police

Police investigating the alleged murder of a Christchurch sex worker are appealing for help to find her cell phone.

Bella Te Pania, 33, was found inside a vehicle at an Air New Zealand engineering and maintenance facility at Christchurch International Airport on New Year's Eve.

Emergency services were called to the Air NZ base at Orchard Rd just before 6.50am. However, she died a short time later, police said.

A 42-year-old plasterer arrested at the scene has appeared in court charged with her murder.

Te Pania's cell phone - a black Huawei Y5 with a cracked touch screen and no cover - has not yet been located by police.

Emergency services were called to Orchard Rd on New Year's Eve. Image: Google

Police are appealing for residents in Bryndwr to check their property for it or any other discarded items.

Anyone with information that may help with the investigation is urged to phone the police on 105 and quote the file number 191231/9680.

The man charged with murder is due to reappear in the Christchurch High Court on Friday, February 7.