This image of Nicole Tuxford was released by her family. Photo / Supplied
The name of a woman murdered in Merivale has been released.
Nicole Marie Tuxford was killed in the Christchurch suburb three weeks ago.
A man charged with murder appeared before a closed sitting of the High Court via video link this morning.
He also faces two charges of sexual violation and stealing a vehicle.
Judge Gerald Nation continued the defendant's interim name suppression, saying it was important for a fair trial.
The man has been remanded in custody until June 29.
In a statement, Tuxford's family said they were broken by the loss of their beloved daughter, sister and partner.
"Nicky, as she was known, was a 27-year-old accounts manager for an international logistics company based in Christchurch. She was highly thought of and considered to have a bright future with the company," the statement read.
"Born and bred in Dunedin, she moved to Christchurch to pursue her professional career after she finished high school.
"Nicky was a funny, bubbly character who lit up a room with her personality and made other people laugh.
"She loved people and had ambitions to work as a counsellor so she could help others."
Tuxford had recently started training at the Phoenix Light Foundation as a life coach.
On Facebook, foundation founder Phyllis Brown, who had been working with Tuxford, said there were no words to describe her loss.
"She was a valued member of our small teaching team and was just at the beginning of her journey in helping her clients and students find their inner light.
"We here at The Phoenix Light Foundation, wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends and to her partner."
'We can do much much better here.'