The Canterbury District Health Board has launched a full review after a mental health patient on "community leave" allegedly murdered a woman in a random stabbing in Christchurch.
On Saturday, Laisa Maraia Waka was fatally stabbed in the street while she was on her way home from work in the suburb of Sockburn. She was found with critical injuries and, despite medical assistance, died at the scene.
On Monday a man accused of the murder appeared briefly via audio-visual link in the Christchurch District Court. He was remanded in custody after the Judge called for a report into his mental health and whether he was fit to stand trial.
Canterbury DHB Chief Executive Dr Peter Bramley expressed his sympathy to the family of Waka and confirmed the man was a patient at the Hillmorton Mental Health Hospital in Christchurch.
"My thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time," Dr Bramley said in a statement.
"I can confirm that the man accused of her murder was a patient of the DHB's specialist mental health service based at Hillmorton, who had been on community leave.
"Whenever a serious adverse event occurs involving patients in our care a full review is carried out. A serious event review looks carefully into the care provided.
"I can assure the public that if there are recommendations for changes to be made as a result of our own, or any external review, these will be actioned.
"We continue to assist police with their investigations and as this matter is before the courts it is not appropriate for us to provide any further comment at this time."
The suspect will reappear in the high court next month.
A Givealittle page to raise money to support Waka's family was started on Tuesday. As of publishing, the Givealittle page has raised over $50,000.
