A forensic investigation is under way following the discovery of the body of a 77-year-old woman inside her Onehunga home shortly after 10am. Video / Hayden Woodward
The woman found killed at her home in suburban Auckland was a treasured grandmother who leaves behind a devastated twin, her family says.
A family member said Maria Brown "helped so many people" and had funded the education of many children.
The 77-year-old was found dead at her home in Onehunga's Moana Ave on Sunday morning after phone calls from a family member went unanswered.
Maria Brown, 77, was found dead in her home.
There has been limited word from police on the circumstances of her death and no news of any arrests, but police say there is no threat to public safety.
"After the post-mortem examination, police can now confirm the death is being treated as a homicide investigation," Detective Inspector Scott Beard said.
"A police presence remains at the address however we would like to reassure the community this is believed to be an isolated incident and we are following good lines of inquiry."
Police had initially said Brown was aged 65, but today corrected this to 77.
Police and forensic staff at the Moana Ave property on Monday, a day after the body was discovered. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Her adopted granddaughter, Fetu Leiloanaisaua Leapai-Saili, spoke to the Herald from her home in Apia, Samoa, to pay tribute to Brown.