Nicole Marie Tuxford (27) was born and bred in Dunedin and moved to Christchurch to pursue her professional career after she finished high school.
A 54-year-old man had been charged with murder and aggravated burglary in relation to her death in Merivale three weeks ago.
Ms Tuxford's family said in a statement released by police they were ''broken by the tragic loss'' of their beloved daughter, sister and partner.
"Nicky, as she was known, was a 27-year-old 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.''
"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," they said.
She had spent two years training at the Chirstchurch Phoenix Light Foundation, "a spiritual and metaphysical training academy for those who wish to start their own spiritual/self-development business,'' according to its website.
Foundation director Phyllis Brown said Ms Tuxford had become a "Reiki Master Practitioner'' through her courses. Reiki is a form of alternative medicine involving "laying on hands'' and based on the concept of an "unseen life force energy'' flowing through all humans, according to the International Centre for Reiki Training.
Mrs Brown described Ms Tuxford as a "very private'' woman, and said teachers and students at the foundation were devastated by her death, and she would be sorely missed.
"Nicky was just a really lovely, very gentle soul.
"She had such a deep wisdom. She would always come away with some really profound insights into the human soul.
"She was just the nicest, kindest, softest, most gentle person I've met in a long time.''
The man charged with her murder appeared before a closed sitting of the High Court via video-link this morning.
He also faces two charges of sexual violation and stealing a vehicle.
Judge Gerald Nation continued the defendant's interim name suppression, saying it was important for a fair trial.
The man has been remanded in custody until June 29.
