Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price provides details on the 'horrific, traumatic and random attack' in Sockburn, Christchurch. Video / Kurt Bayer
The 11-year-old son of Christchurch murder victim Laisa Waka Tunidau watched as emergency services tried to save a woman, not then knowing it was his mum after she was stabbed outside their home on Saturday.
A 37-year-old man has been charged with Tunidau's murder and has been remanded in custody.
A judge today ordered reports to assess the man's mental health.
The Herald understands that he had been receiving mental health care from Canterbury District Health Board.
Tunidau, a cleaner in her 50s, had caught the bus home from work and was metres from her house on Cheyenne St, Sockburn, when she was attacked at about 4.20pm.
"Her 11-year [old] son watched helplessly from their home witnessing the unbearable incident," says a Givealittle page set up today.
"We humbly seek your financial support to restore normalcy for Mr Tunidau & 4 kids as they come to terms with the loss."
Fijian community leader and parish member Una Tikoi said the fatal stabbing has devastated family and friends.
"You've always been my role model since day one," she said.
"You always encourage me to be more hard-working, be independent, be respectful, pray a lot, always give a helping hand, love and cherish your families and friends from both sides.
"I thank God for giving us a mum that is so loving and caring, hard-working and (who) cherishes every moment of her loved ones.
"I'm so grateful to be your daughter - I'll surely miss the way we always ended our calls with 'love you so much lewa, and miss you. Don't worry we'll meet and see each other soon'."
Flowers have been left at the scene. Photo / Kurt Bayer
She said there would never be a day she did not think of her mother.
"I can't begin to express how much I will miss you. There is a huge hole in my heart and I don't know how I'm going to cope.
"Your legacy is one that will inspire us all and we will remember your love and warmth forever."
The man accused of stabbing Tunidau to death was granted interim name suppression during a brief appearance from custody at Christchurch District Court this morning.
Judge Mark Callaghan remanded him in custody without plea to the High Court in Christchurch on July 15.
Defence counsel Josh Lucas made no application for bail but asked for interim name suppression.
Judge Callaghan granted interim name suppression and called for a report under Section 38 of the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 to assess the man's fitness to stand trial.
It is understood the man was receiving mental health care from Canterbury District Health Board.
The DHB and Health Minister Andrew Little's office have both declined to comment.
Two people were initially arrested following the attack, which occurred at 4.20pm, but one was later released by police after being found to be a relative of the man subsequently charged with murder.
Christchurch residents' hearts went out to the family and friends of Tunidau who was "killed in such a senseless, violent attack", the city's mayor Lianne Dalziel said.
"A crime of this nature will have a devastating impact on the community as well, and they too will want answers as to how and why this happened."
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price said the alleged murder was "a horrific, traumatic and random attack on an innocent person who was simply making her way home from work".
Price said police's thoughts are with the grieving family of the victim who are dealing with the loss of a partner, mother, friend and colleague.
The traumatic, senseless act would have a huge impact on the community as a whole and right across New Zealand, he said.
Price also wanted to reassure residents of their presence in the area as they conduct a scene examination and look to speak to witnesses. He also called for anyone who saw anything, or anyone with CCTV footage, to come forward.
