The woman who was attacked and killed while out exercising along a road in the Auckland suburb of Remuera yesterday has been named.
Joanne Pert Photo: NZ Police
Joanne Marie Pert, 41, was found late yesterday morning outside a Shore Road home. She died at the scene.
The mother of two was in exercise gear, and the police believe she was walking or jogging along the road when she was attacked by the man, who was not known to her.
A 24-year-old man charged with her murder appeared in the Auckland District Court earlier today.
He allegedly attacked and killed Ms Pert with a weapon, which he gave to the police when he handed himself in yesterday afternoon.
Police said Ms Pert's family were advised of her death late last night and some of them had travelled to Auckland today where they were met with Detective Inspector Kevin Hooper and staff from the homicide investigation team.
Mr Hooper said the Operation Solitaire homicide investigation team had much work to do piecing together the events surrounding Ms Pert's tragic death yesterday.
"Our sympathies are obviously with Joanne's family and friends and we are committed to making every effort to ensure a robust prosecution is achieved.
"Staff were back at the Shore Rd scene earlier today and others are carrying out background inquiries into the accused."
Police blocked off the road surrounding the scene Photo: RNZ / Mohamed Hassan
He said several other inquiries would take weeks to complete.
"We are relieved that we are able to reassure members of the community that the alleged offender acted alone and is remanded in custody."
The accused man has been granted name suppression and was remanded in custody until his next appearance on 27 January.
Judge Claire Ryan also ordered a report on procedures around a mentally impaired person.
Police said the owners of the property where Ms Pert was found have returned to their home.
