Woman dies in Te Anau, man charged
THE ‘‘tragic’’ death of a woman in Te Anau has shocked the tourist hot spot.
A 52yearold man was arrested and charged with murder after a woman’s body was discovered on Friday night.
Detective Senior Sergeant Stu Harvey, of Invercargill, said police received information about 6.35pm on Friday suggesting a person had died in the quiet township.
‘‘Police made inquiries before attending a Cleddau St address, where the victim was located, deceased.’’
An Otago Daily Times reporter at the scene said the Explorer Motel and Apartments were cordoned off on Saturday and a police car was parked at the site.
Det Snr Sgt Harvey said a 52yearold man appeared in the Invercargill District Court on Saturday morning.
‘‘He has been remanded in custody to reappear on June 9.
‘‘The victim and alleged offender were known to one another and there is no ongoing risk to the public.’’
A scene examination was conducted at the Te Anau address at the weekend, he said.
Police yesterday confirmed the victim was a guest at the motel, and a scene examination there was continuing.
Fiordland Community Board chairwoman Sarah Greaney believed the pair were not local residents.
‘‘My understanding is that they were a couple that were visiting at a motel.
‘‘It’s tragic news for the town. We seem to be moving from one tragic event to another tragic event at the moment, and it’s just incredibly sad.’’
Local service station owner Diane Holmes said the community was in shock.
She said she used to live in the street, but did not know the people involved.
‘‘The community will be shocked, no doubt.’’