A man appeared in Opotiki District Court today charged with his wife's murder.
Donald Gisborne, 68, has been charged with the murder of his wife Kanok-On Gisborne, 47, after police were called to a domestic incident at the couple's Kawerau home about 10.30am yesterday.
They found Gisborne beside his wife's body, Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Anderson said.
A post mortem examination will be carried out tomorrow and police were continuing to search the home.
"The focus of the enquiry is now on the background and profiles of the victim and defendant," Mr Anderson said.
He said a number of witnesses had come forward.
Gisborne was remanded in custody without plea to appear in Whakatane District Court on December 17.
Police were not looking for anyone else over to the murder.
