A Waiau man charged with killing his partner appeared in Rangiora District Court on Wednesday.
Ross Simon Fraser, 43, is charged with the murder of Joanne Thompson, 45.
Her body was found on 16 February. A post-mortem showed she died after a prolonged and violent assault.
Police arrested him on Tuesday night after he returned home to collect clothing and food.
Police say he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 25 March. No application was made for bail.
