Police are continuing the investigation into the death of Tui Rosemary Tait, 52, also known as Rose Payne, whose body was located on Western Valley Road in Port Levy. A post-mortem on her body is being conducted today.
Detectives are continuing a search of her home and are searching along Western Valley Road. The road remains closed during this time.
Door to door enquiries are being made by police, with the area being extended into Little River.
Police are urgently seeking the vehicle that Tait was seen last seen driving. It has been described as a light tan or dusty white, 1988 Nissan Safari, short wheel base 4x4, registered number TW5111. Anyone who seen or has information as to the whereabouts of this vehicle is requested to contact the Christchurch police.