The young Kiwi mum allegedly killed by her husband in Queensland was planning a return home to see family in New Zealand next week.
Sandra Peniamina, 29, died after an incident at her Kippa-Ring home on Thursday night. Her husband, Arona, also from New Zealand, has been charged with murder.
In an online tribute, Christina Sa'u wrote: "I woke up thinking okay this is all just a dream I am going to wake up to your morning messages you send me nearly every morning ever since you went back to Australia. But I woke up to no messages from you.
"I was getting all excited that you were coming back my little cousin. I miss you so much".
Sandra Peniamina was a mother of four, with her children aged between 5 to 10.
Sandra Peniamina's children, aged between five and 10, were believed to be sleeping at the Kippa-Ring house when she suffered multiple stab wounds and died on the driveway.
Paramedics, who described the scene as one of the worst they'd seen, did everything they could to save the 29-year-old New Zealand citizen.
She allegedly suffered wounds to her chest and arms, wounds to her neck and substantial facial traumas.
Her husband Arona, also from New Zealand, was calm when police officers found him at the front of the home late on Thursday night.
The 35-year-old sustained hand injuries and was taken to Redcliffe Hospital, where he was charged with murder at a bedside hearing on Friday before undergoing surgery.
Police have taken statements from the children, who are now in the care of relatives.
It was only three weeks ago that Ms Peniamina put a cover photo on her Facebook page that had the simple message: "Blessed."
Her horrific death has shocked relatives and friends.
"Broken Hearted! Cant (sic) believe that any of my family will go out the way she did. Feel for my nephews, aunty and cuzzyz (sic)," one wrote on Facebook.
Her husband Arona, also from New Zealand, was calm when police officers found him at the front of the home late on Thursday night. Photo / Supplied
Peniamina was described as "a really good man" by the wife of his uncle.
"He never drink (sic), never smoke, all he does, he just wants to build a future for his family," the woman, who did not want to me named, told Fairfax media.
Neighbours reported hearing yelling and some rushed to help Ms Peniamina before authorities arrived to the house.
Ambulance service spokesman Brad Hardy said paramedics were confronted with a terrible scene.
"It is certainly a very graphic (scene) and is one of the worst situations that we've seen around this are for quite some time," he told ABC radio.
It is still unclear what prompted the stabbing.
"The cause of the incident is still under investigation, so I can't go into exact details at this stage," Detective Senior Sergeant Ben Fadian said.
Peniamina remains in Redcliffe Hospital and has been remanded in custody until April 18 when he will appear at Redcliffe Magistrates court via videolink.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk drew on the incident to make a public appeal at Friday's COAG meeting in Canberra for more to be done to stop domestic violence.
"The neighbours witnessed it, heard it, and she died on the front driveway," she said.
"Women are still getting murdered and killed behind closed doors in all different sections of our community and we've got to do more."
Where to get help:
If it is an emergency and you or someone you know is at risk, call 111. • Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843 • Victim Support: 0800 842 846 • Lifeline: (09) 522 2999 • Family Violence Info Line: 0800 456 450
