The University of Canterbury (UC) has addressed the "tragic death" of one of its students in the Sonoda student accommodation.
The man was discovered on Monday night, and specialist teams are helping with the ongoing identification process. Stuff reports the body had been there for nearly two months.
In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, the university said it's "inconceivable to imagine how these circumstances could have occurred".
"We are devastated by what has happened and extend our deepest sympathy to the family. This is an extremely distressing time for University students and staff," says Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey.
"Support has been put in place for students within the Sonoda residence and additional support is being offered to students in all other student residences and halls, as well as across the broader UC community."
Police Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Johnson says a number of inquiries are being made to determine what happened.
"The University of Canterbury is doing everything it can to support the police investigation," Prof de la Rey says.
"Whilst the police investigation continues we are somewhat limited in what we can say about the specific circumstances.
"The University will commission an independent comprehensive investigation to identify how this situation could have occurred and what actions need to be taken."
If anyone has anyone has information that may help police, they are asked to get in touch on 105.
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