Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Man charged with murder of Tawa mother

Updated at 10:57 pm on 15 November 2012

Porirua police have charged a 38-year-old man with the murder of Tawa woman Amanda Dawn Taufale.

Ms Taufale, 33, was found dead at her home in the northern Wellington suburb earlier on Thursday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam says the investigation team is still working hard to understand the exact events leading up to Ms Taufale's death

He says at this stage, the police are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.

Police are still appealing for anyone who has seen a late model blue Toyota Hatchback, registration GMB108, to come forward.

On Friday officers will canvass train commuters at Takapu Railway Station for any sightings of the car.

Before the arrest, police named Ernest Smith, 38, as a man they wanted to speak to in connection with Ms Taufale's violent death.

They launched a homicide inquiry after an ambulance crew called to her house in Sunrise Boulevard found her dead.

Detective Senior Sergeant Oxnam says Ms Taufale's two children were at her house when her body was found and are traumatised.

"A 24-hour free-phone number has been setup for the inquiry. Police are encouraging anyone with any information to call 0800 485 380," he says.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers by phoning 0800 555 111.

Thirty-five police have been working on the inquiry.

Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand