Woman found dead in house

Police have launched a homicide inquiry after the discovery of a 20-year-old woman's body in the King Country this morning.

Emergency services were called to a house in Benneydale, 35km southeast of Te Kuiti, about 5.20am and found the woman dead, Detective Senior Sergeant Pete van Wetering said.

He added the woman had been at a party last night.

She lived and worked in Benneydale, and had some family in the area.

A man known to the woman was being questioned by police.

The dwelling was secured and remained under police guard.

- NZPA