Mother pays tribute to killed Upper Hutt woman Lois Tolley: 'She didn't deserve to go like that'

Lois Tolley, 30, was "well-liked by many people", her mother, Cathrine Tolley says. Photo / Facebook

She was caring, kind and proud to be her mother's daughter. She wanted to get married and have children. She was very determined and would do anything for anyone.

Thirty-year-old Lois Rita Tolley, who was killed in Upper Hutt on Friday night, was not just a "victim", she was a loving person who impacted the lives of many, her mother says.

Speaking to the Herald, Lois' mother Cathrine said she wanted her daughter to be remembered for her kindness and the way she looked out for others.

"She was a very caring person who loved life. She was the life of the party. When you were down, she made you happy.

"She would buy food for someone when they didn't have it, even when she didn't have much herself. She would take her shirt off her back for you if she could."

Lois was found dead at a house on Ward St in Upper Hutt at midnight on Friday. Police are looking for four young men seen running from the address, and a knife and firearm believed to be involved in her death.

Lois grew up in Upper Hutt. She was from a large but close-knit family who was "devastated".

"She was my baby," Cathrine said. "She didn't deserve to go like that. They've taken someone good from the world.

"No words can explain what these people have done to her."

Lois was from a large but close-knit family. Photo / Facebook

Lois had worked hard to lose more than 100kg in the past few years.

She loved her job working as a chef for a Wellington catering company and had hoped to get married and have children.

"She was very determined. If she put her mind to something, she would never waiver...

"She loved all her friend's kids and she treated her two cats like children."

Cathrine, who lives in Australia, had been planning to return to Upper Hutt for Christmas.

"She was so excited for us to come over. Now she's gone, just like that.

"I just want my baby back."

Investigation lead Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee said four men were seen jogging south along Wilford St towards Ward St just before the incident.

One of the men was carrying a long rectangular object.

"One of the young men was described as particularly distressed after the incident had occurred and police encourage all these young men to come and speak with police," McKee said.

"They are described as all about 182cm tall and wearing dark clothing with hooded tops."

"Police can reassure the community that we are making good progress into Lois' death with the help of the community and the meticulous forensic examinations being undertaken.

"If you have any information that would help police we encourage you to contact the Operation Archer team based at Upper Hutt Police Station by ringing (04) 3812000 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."

The family would hold a funeral for Lois on Saturday.