Children in house during fatal stabbing

Photo / file

Children were at the house where their father was fatally stabbed in Porirua overnight. .

"It's tragic for them," Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee said this afternoon, describing the events that unfolded in Cannons Creek.

"Obviously there's a father there at this address who's the father of these children."

The 37 year-old man was taken to hospital after he was injured at about 11pm, he later died of his injuries. Police believed the homicide was a case of family violence.

Mr McKee said a 26 year-old Porirua woman was arrested for murder. She appeared in court today and was bailed on what Mr McKee said were "strict" conditions.

The man's family were looking after the children today.

"They're pretty upset. They're young. And that will sink in at some point. But we've got Victim Support with them," Mr McKee said. "It's really good that family have gathered in...and supported them."

Mr McKee said the 37 year-old man also had older relatives who lived in the local community.

The arrested woman and the man who died lived at the same house.

"Family violence is a real issue," Mr McKee said. "However, we're putting a lot of steps in place to prevent these incidents."

Police were not looking for anybody else in relation to the homicide and Mr McKee said he wanted to assure Porirua residents they were not at risk from anybody connected with the man's death.

"It's safe out there," Mr McKee said.

He would not divulge the woman's exact relationship with the man but confirmed the two knew each other.

Mr McKee said this was the sixth homicide in greater Wellington in about two months.