A man has been arrested and charged with the murder of Auckland woman Blesilda Gotingco, 56, known as Blessie, who disappeared on her way home from work three days ago.
Blesilda Gotingco. Photo: SUPPLIED
The 27 year-old man is expected to appear in court or Wednesday.
Flowers have been laid at the Birkenhead-Glenfield cemetery in Eskdale Road, where what is believed to be her body was found late on Monday night, about 2km from her North Shore home.
Her family have been told and police said they are devastated.
Mrs Gotingco left her job at Tower Insurance in Fanshawe Street, central Auckland, on Saturday night, but never arrived at her home in Salisbury Street in the suburb of Birkdale.
Her mobile phone and shoes were later found on the roadside about 400m away from her bus stop on Birkdale Road.
A scene examination was being carried out and officers also searched part of an apartment block at Monte Cassino Place in Birkdale on Tuesday.
Mrs Gotingco's husband has arrived from the Philippines, along with other family members from overseas.
'An amazing person'
Local people paid tribute to Blessie Gotingco on Tuesday, with some laying flowers at her home. Others gathered at the cemetery where the body was found.
Mark, who didn't want to give his last name, lives on the same road as Mrs Gotingco and said the events of the past few days have affected everyone.
"She was an amazing person, friendly. She was really a nice lady. I don't know what to say - I'm totally shocked. My partner's a little too frightened now to catch a bus or walk down from her bus stop. It's affected all of us."
One woman said though she didn't know Mrs Gotingco personally, her killing has had a big impact on the community.
"The flowers are for Blessie and just to let her family know that we care. You don't have to know someone to have your heart touched by somebody."
Police searched an apartment block at Monte Cassino Place in Birkdale. Photo: RNZ
Friends of Blessie Gotingco gather at the cemetery. A blue police tent is in the background. Photo: RNZ / Murielle Baker
Officers at the entrance to Birkenhead Glenfield cemetery on Tuesday. Photo: RNZ
