Police have named the woman who was found dead at a residence on Selwyn St in Christchurch on Monday morning.
Tina Sharma, 28, was found just past 9am at an apartment complex near Hagley Park.
St John ambulance officers arrived at 9.10am to see Sharma's partner performing CPR on her in the hallway, Fairfax reported.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Cottam said Sharma was Indian and had recently moved to New Zealand.
A post-mortem exam has been carried out but the cause of death is still undetermined, and police are still awaiting other medical results, he said.
"Police are currently carrying out inquiries on behalf of the Coroner, this includes a routine scene examination which was completed yesterday.
"We are working closely with Ms Sharma's family who are being supported by Victim Support and the local Indian Community.
"We ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this difficult time."