Three knives found at scene of homicide

Police have found a number of knives at a south Auckland property where a woman was stabbed to death during a party early on Sunday.

Detective Inspector Mark Gutry told NZPA today that police had completed their scene examination, and three knives had been found at the Manurewa property.

"We found three kitchen knives around the scene.

"This will be forensically examined to find out if one of them may be the weapon used," Mr Gutry said.

A 32-year-old woman was arrested near the house on Sunday and charged with common assault.

The woman, who has name suppression, made a brief appearance in Manukau District Court on Monday and was remanded in custody to reappear on August 4.

Police inquiries were continuing and more serious charges could follow, Mr Gutry said.

The woman who died was 28-year-old Preva Shortland.

An autopsy carried out on her body on Monday confirmed she died of stab wounds.

A homicide investigation was launched after police were called to an altercation at a house in Glenveagh Park Drive, Manurewa, shortly after midnight on Sunday and found the woman's body.

Ms Shortland did not live at the house, Mr Gutry said.

Police said they were not seeking anyone else in relation to the death but a number of partygoers were helping with their inquiries.

It is understood that eight children, including two teenagers, were taken from the house by Child, Youth and Family staff.

- NZPA