Police have launched a homicide investigation after an elderly woman was found dead at her Wellington home earlier this week.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said officers were called to a property on Baroda Street in the Wellington suburb of Khandallah at 11:50pm on Wednesday evening.
Sen Sgt Leitch said 79-year-old Helen Gregory was found dead in the Khandallah home.
Initially police had been treating her death as unexplained but on Sunday, Sen Sgt Leitch confirmed a homicide probe is underway.
A post-mortem has been completed and it's "clear to police" that Gregory died because of a "violent act".
"Our thoughts remain with Helen's family and friends at this difficult time," Sen Sgt Leitch said.
Over the past several days, police have been conducting inquiries in the Baroda Street area.
A scene examination remains ongoing at the address and police staff are expected to remain there for another day or two.
Sen Sgt Leitch is now calling for the public's help with the investigation.
Police want to hear from anyone who saw or had communication with Gregory in the days before she was found dead.
"This includes any of her friends or contacts who have not yet been in touch with police," Sen Sgt Leitch said.
"We also want to hear from anyone that was in Baroda Street on Wednesday 24 January, and who may have seen any unusual activity, or seen anyone they didn't recognise as a resident in the area.
"Information can be passed on by calling 105, or making a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking "Update Report". Please reference the file number 240125/1641."
