A 15-year-old boy made the shock discovery of his mother's body after a violent attack at their Tawa home yesterday.
Amanda Dawn Taufale, 33, died at her Sunrise Boulevard home shortly before 8am.
Police charged a 38-year-old man with her murder late last night.
Ms Taufale lived with her 15-year-old son Liam, who she had with separated husband David Taufale, and a six-month-old baby she had with her boyfriend, who also lived at the house.
Police said both children were at home at the time of what they say was "a violent death".
Ms Taufale's mother-in-law, Sera Taufale, this morning said her grandson Liam had found his mother.
The news of her death had come as a shock.
"When the detective told me that sad thing happened, I felt like screaming my head off," Mrs Taufale said.
Amanda and David Taufale separated a long time ago but she remained close to her in-laws.
"We all get along with Amanda, she's a very kind-hearted woman. And every rugby game her son goes to, every game she's there. And she always comes and meets with us."
David Taufale is returning from Australia to be with his family this afternoon.
The officer in charge of the homicide investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam, said last night's arrest would come as a relief to Ms Taufale's family.
"The investigation team is still working hard to understand the exact events leading up to Amanda's death. At this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death."
A neighbour whose home overlooks the Sunrise Boulevard property said she heard a bang about 7.40am yesterday.
The woman, who did not give her name, said it sounded like a car backing into another car, but she had the television on and could not be sure.
Another neighbour said her neighbours - who she did not know - had not ever been a problem.
Mr Oxnam yesterday said he did not know if police had been called to the Sunrise Boulevard home in the past.
A post mortem examination will be carried out today.
Police are still appealing for anyone who saw a late model blue Toyota Hatchback, registration GMB108, to come forward.
Officers this morning spoke to commuters at Takapu Railway Station, seeking sightings of the car and its occupants since Wednesday.