'I don't know how to be without you': Mum's tribute to murdered teen Amber-Rose Rush in Dunedin

Amber-Rose Rush pictured with her mum Lisa Ann. Photo / Supplied by family

The family of a Dunedin teenager who police say was murdered by a man known to her are mourning the loss of 16-year-old Amber-Rose Rush.

A man, 30, has been charged with the teen's murder. He is a doctor.

He appeared in Dunedin District Court this afternoon and was granted name suppression. Police say he was known to the 16-year-old.

Officers were called to the Clermiston Ave, Corstorphine, address on Saturday morning, and found Amber-Rose dead at her home.

Amber's mother, Lisa Ann, said on Facebook her daughter's alleged murder had "killed her entire life".

"How do I put into words what u mean to me my baby girl, u are literally my other half, my soul, my heart, my everything," she wrote.

Amber-Rose Rush pictured with her niece Piper. Photo / Supplied by family

"She was not only a daughter, but a best friend, I cannot begin to explain how this feels."

Another post said: "How do I put into words what u mean to me my baby girl , u are literally my other half , my soul , my heart , my everything . I don't know how to be without you , I cannot see a way to live without you , your everything to me , to all of us , you may be the baby of the family , but you are and will forever be the heart and soul of our family."

The teenager's sister, Shantelle, also posted on Facebook about the loss.

"My baby sister," her post read.

"She was only 16 ... and took all our hearts with her."

Friends and other family members had commented on both posts, expressing their condolences.

"I don't want to believe what has happened," one person wrote.

"It's heartbreaking to see such a beautiful soul so young pass away, all my love goes out to your family," another said.

Police said the 30-year-old man appearing in court today was known to the teenager and they were not speaking to anyone else in relation to her death.

Police had previously said the death was "unexplained".

Police and forensic staff worked at the site all weekend after police were called to the house about 9.30am on Saturday.