A scene examination will continue for a number of days and a scene guard will remain at the property while this occurs.
A spokesperson said police would like to hear from anybody who had contact with or visited the occupants of 139a Main North Rd, Papanui, since Christmas day.
"Please call 105 and ask for your details to be passed to the Operation Leaf team.
"You can also give information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"Police would like to reiterate that we believe this is an isolated incident and there are no concerns for the safety of the wider community."
A police spokesperson earlier said one person was assisting them with their inquiries.
It is understood the body was buried at the property - a back section off the busy arterial route down a long driveway.
Police went to the scene after being contacted by "an individual" who disclosed information about the buried remains, Stuff reported.
"We believe this is an isolated incident and we want to reassure members of the public that there are no general safety concerns for the wider Papanui community," the spokesperson said.
A police spokesperson said one person is assisting them with their inquiries. Photo / Anna Leask
A scene guard was in place at the property while police investigate.
On Wednesday afternoon, a forensic team arrived to start a scene examination and a number of detectives were at the house.
Garden City's third homicide investigation this month
The discovery comes after a spate of violence and killings in Christchurch.
