A NEW Zealand journalist who died after a horrific attack in his own home also served as a spy for the Soviet Union.

Derek Round, 77, a former New Zealand Press Association editor and foreign correspondent, was found dead at his home on Campbell St, Whanganui on Thursday morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby says a post-mortem examination on Round's body completed today "would indicate a horrific attack on Derek which took place in the living room of his home".

Prior to his appointment as editor of NZPA from 1984 to 1989, Round served as NZPA's correspondent in Hong Kong and London, and before that he worked for Reuters in London.

His cousin Martin Round claimed the journalist also served as a spy for the SIS after he was contacted by the Soviet Union.

"The Russians paid him Stg30 a fortnight, which Derek gave to SIS, and SIS paid Derek either 20 pounds or 25 pounds a fortnight," Martin Round told 3 News.



Det Kirby said police made pleasing progress in the homicide investigation but still needed public help, especially in finding Round's 1996 blue Jaguar XJ6.

"I really need to know more about the movements of Derek's car which we know left his property in Campbell Street sometime after 7pm on Wednesday evening," he said.

"We have also yet to locate clothing which we have linked to the crime scene and which could provide vital information for the investigation."

The clothing included a red long-sleeved jersey or sweatshirt, a black leather sleeveless vest, dark coloured stonewashed jeans, dark fingerless gloves and a pair of dark sports shoes with a light colour around the soles and coloured laces.