Wellington District Police can now confirm that a 46-year-old male has been arrested on breach of bail conditions and late yesterday was charged with aggravated burglary and murder. He will appear in the Wellington District Court today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch says "The investigation is progressing well with a detailed forensic examination continuing today at the property where our victim was discovered, the arrested man's vehicle and at his home address".
"Throughout yesterday we have found a number of items relevant to the inquiry which is helping us to piece together what has happened in the days and weeks leading up to the needless and tragic taking of a woman's life".
"We have made arrangements for the victim's family to travel urgently from Australia overnight. A formal identification of the body and a post mortem will be undertaken this morning".
Anyone with any information should contact Wellington District Crime Squad on (04) 381 2000. Information can also be provided anonymously to the Crimestoppers organisation on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
For media queries please contact Nick Bohm, Wellington District Communications Manager, on 021 192 1816.