Woman who died in Raumati Beach, Kāpiti, remembered as ‘beautiful’ person

A friend of the woman who was found dead in a suspected homicide in the Kāpiti Coast says she was a “beautiful lady” who “stuck up for everything great in this world”.

Police were called to a property on Matatua Rd, Raumati Beach at 1.15am on Monday to reports someone had been injured, and found the woman dead.

Her friend told the Herald he had known the woman and her partner for a few years and had “done many things together as family”.

“She was very strong in nature,” he said.

He remembered her as a woman who loved her family and friends and was “always looking out for others”.

“She was a soul searcher and a believer in the stars.”

Police have arrested a 24-year-old man and charged him with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They said more charges were being considered.

The man appeared in the Porirua District Court on Monday and is being held in custody until his next appearance early next month.

“We acknowledge this is an incredibly difficult time for [the victim’s] family and we are providing them with support,” Wellington field crime manager Detective Inspector Jamie Woods said.

Woods wanted to reassure the community “there is no ongoing risk to public safety” after the death.

“It’s deeply upsetting for our community to hear that there has been a homicide in our district,” Kāpiti Coast Mayor Janet Holborow told the Herald.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of the person who has so tragically and suddenly passed away.”

Police are asking anyone who has information to call 105, and reference the case number 260209/8606.

Janhavi Gosavi is a Wellington-based journalist for the New Zealand Herald who covers news in the capital.