The Auckland suburb of Massey is reeling after a homicide investigation was launched following the death of a woman on Monday evening.
In an update on Tuesday, police said the investigation is ongoing to "identify the persons responsible" for the "tragic death of a woman yesterday evening".
"The community can expect to see a continued Police presence in the area as a scene examination and area enquiries continue," Detective Senior Sergeant Nick Poland said.
"Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident take place or was in the area at the time."
Locals have been coming to the site of the woman's death to pay their respect by laying flowers in tribute.
Neighbours told Newshub they heard screaming at the time of the incident, with police telling them to stay inside.
Massey resident Agnes Williams told Newshub she wanted to pay her respect for the woman that died.
"If one of our people had been killed around here, like locals, we would come to contribute our flowers," Williams said.
Williams said the news is "shocking" and once she found out, her thoughts immediately turned to her children.
"Shocking because I had left my kids at home with my neighbour, so I told my neighbour to lock my kids up inside the house because I didn't know what was going on," she said.
She describes the neighbourhood as being a tight-knit community where "everyone knows everyone" and is "quite safe" where her kids are able to walk "through the alleyway to the school".
Officers were seen at the Waitākere Badminton Centre on Monday evening and Stuff reports the centre was subsequently locked down as they investigated the incident.
The local resident and ratepayers group that covers Massey said they're saddened by the news of the recent incident in the area.
"This is not Massey, in fact, the incidents in Auckland, in Waikato, and throughout New Zealand is not New Zealand," said Massey Birdwood Settlers Association secretary John Riddell, who travels past the badminton hall every day on his way home.
"It's sad when anyone dies, especially at Christmas time, and in such circumstances. The environment is a big factor in these issues and communication."
Riddell hopes the incident can become a catalyst for change in the spirit of Christmas.
Police launched the homicide investigation on Monday evening after they were called to a property on Royal Road in Massey at around 5:45pm to reports a woman had been seriously injured.
"Sadly, she died at the scene," Poland said.
Police, Fire and Emergency NZ and ambulance staff were at the property in Massey.
The Police Eagle helicopter was also at the scene for around half an hour while armed police were also seen.
Poland said police are trying to establish what has happened.
"There will be a Police presence in the area as officers conduct a scene examination and initial inquiries, which will include going to door-to-door speaking with people in the area," Poland said.
Poland said anyone with information that may assist our investigation, place contact Police on 105 or via www.police.govt.nz/use-105 'Update My Report' quoting file number 221219/5423.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
