Ms Pert was allegedly murdered while running in Remuera on Thursday morning. Photo / Supplied
Ms Pert was allegedly murdered while running in Remuera on Thursday morning. Photo / Supplied
Family and friends speak of dedication and drive as they remember much-loved woman who died on the front lawn of strangers.
Tributes to slain Auckland mother Jo Pert continue to be shared as those close to the 41-year-old come to terms with her shocking death.
She died after she was allegedly attacked while running in the affluent Auckland suburb of Remuera about 10.30am on Thursday.
A 24-year-old Mt Roskill man -- believed to be a complete stranger to Ms Pert -- was charged with her murder after handing himself into police hours later.
Ahead of a funeral planned for Wednesday in her hometown of Whanganui, friends have continued sharing their immense saddness at her death.
Those who studied alongside and taught her at the New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine in Greenlane have paid tribute to Ms Pert.
Spokesman Peter Coddington said that Ms Pert had completed a number of qualifications at the school since 2006, and had also recently completed further acupuncture studies through AUT.
"News of her death has shocked both college staff and past student colleagues," he said.
Many gathered at Davis Funerals on Sunday to "say farewells and share tributes" to Ms Pert.
"The college management and staff express great sadness at this time and have conveyed their heart felt sympathy and condolences to Jo's immediate family."
Paula Bennett was visibly emotional during a press conference at the Viaduct Harbour. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Close friends of Ms Pert, Greg and Kelly Goldfinch also expressed their disbelief in a public notice.
"Perty, we can't believe we are writing this, words seem so pointless. So many wonderful happy experiences on our offshore travels.
"You were the first there in tough times for us, a generous caring friend, an even better mum. You so didn't deserve this, you of all people, no one does, so so cruel.
"We will always remember the fun times and never forget you."
Ms Pert was found dead in the garden of a home on Shore Rd shortly before 11am on Thursday. She was on her morning run when the attack was believed to have occurred, causing concern amongst the local community.
Bunches of flowers on the ground, near where Joanne Pert was found dead on Shore Road, Remuera. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The running route she was believed to be taking was very similar to routes used and recommended by the Auckland YMCA Marathon Club.
Club president Larry Bradley said that the group ran part of the same route.
"We certainly have concerns because this is most tragic and I don't know how you safeguard yourself against something like this, especially considering it wasn't late at night or anything like that.
"As far as changing the way of that run, we go past there normally on Sunday morning and we run in groups so it is not such an issue for us.
"But it is obviously a concern because we all do training runs by ourselves."
The random nature of the attack was frightening, but he said there was basic steps people could take to increase their safety.
"It is terribly tragic for everyone involved and it's something that we reiterate, that you need to be careful out there and let people know where you are going and try to stay safe at all times."
