The woman allegedly murdered in the affluent Christchurch suburb of Merivale has been named as 27-year-old Nicole Marie Tuxford.

A 54-year-old man appeared in the Christchurch High Court on Friday, charged with her murder and aggravated burglary. He has name suppression.

He is also facing charges of sexually violating her and taking her car.



Ms Tuxford's body was found in her Exeter St home at around 11:40am on Saturday April 7.

In a statement the family said they were "broken" by the tragic loss of a beloved daughter, sister and partner.

Ms Tuxford, known as "Nicky", was an accounts manager for an international logistics company based in Christchurch.

She was highly thought of and considered to have a bright future with the company, the statement read.

Born and bred in Dunedin, she moved to Christchurch to pursue her professional career after she finished high school.

"Nicky was a funny, bubbly character who lit up a room with her personality and made other people laugh. She loved people and had ambitions to work as a counsellor so she could help others."

The accused has been remanded in custody until late June.

Newshub.