Search for murdered woman's partner widened to Invercargill

Police have been inquiring in Invercargill as well as Christchurch in their search for the partner of a Christchurch woman found dead on Sunday.

Stephen James King, 46, has been missing after last seen celebrating his birthday with his partner Ordette Margaret Lloyd-Rangiuia on Saturday night.

Ms Lloyd-Rangiuia, 45, also known as Marie Holmes, was found dead by her 16-year-old daughter in her flat in suburban Spreydon about 3.30pm on Sunday.

She was killed in a "sustained attack", which inflicted "severe injuries to her head and body", police said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tom Fitzgerald confirmed the search for Mr King had extended outside Christchurch.

"We know he has contacts in Invercargill and Christchurch," Mr Fitzgerald said.

"We have made several inquiries with those contacts in both cities and are talking to a number of people and we would like him to come forward."

Mr Fitzgerald would not be drawn on whether Mr King was considered a suspect in Ms Lloyd-Rangiuia's death, saying they had concerns for his safety.

"With any investigation like this where one partner is deceased and the other is missing there are concerns for safety of the other partner," Mr Fitzgerald said.

He said Ms Lloyd-Rangiuia's daughter was doing "as well as could be expected" after finding her mother's body.

Ms Lloyd-Rangiuia, also known as Marie Holmes, was last seen about 7.30pm on Saturday. Police said the pair were reported to be celebrating King's birthday.

Mr Fitzgerald said it was too early in the investigation to know what weapon was used in the attack but it appeared to be some kind of blunt instrument.

He said there were signs of a "scuffle" in the house.

- NZPA