Partner speaks of loss

The partner of the New Zealand nurse murdered in Sydney, Australia, has spoken publicly for the first time since the death of his "wonderful partner".

David Grant said Michelle Beets' death had been a tremendous shock, but he wanted to thank those who had helped the family and who had attended the funeral on Friday.

Almost 1000 people packed into Our Lady of Dolours Church in the Sydney suburb of Chatswood to pay tribute to the 57-year-old, found stabbed to death on the veranda of her home on April 27.

Police are still searching for her killer.

"In this extremely sad time, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have helped in the aftermath of Michelle's tragic death," Grant said in a statement issued by a family friend on Saturday.

"Family, friends, the staff at Royal North Shore Hospital, the police and other emergency and funeral services all have shown outstanding support."

Yesterday's statement was prompted in part by a large number of media requests to speak with Grant, which he has declined.

"This is a time of grieving and I would now ask the media to respect the privacy of myself and Michelle's family and friends," he said. "Michelle will always stay in my heart."

Police investigating her murder want public help to identify a man wearing a green top and carrying a backpack seen fleeing the murder scene.

- AAP