A British couple, Claire and Ben Anderson, have been discovered dead in their New Zealand home in what authorities believe to be a murder-suicide.
The couple, thought to be in their 50s, were found by Police on Monday in their Roseneath residence, a beachside suburb of Wellington. Officers conducted a welfare check after a concerned relative lost contact with them.
Claire, a teacher, and Ben, a research scientist, had spent years dividing their time between the UK and New Zealand before settling permanently in the Kiwi capital last year.
Their landlord, who knew them well, described them as “absolutely wonderful human beings” who “lived life to the absolute full”.
He praised Ben as a “clever, caring, charming man” and Claire as “vibrant, kind, and intelligent”, adding that the couple had a passion for adventure and making friends wherever they went.
Neighbour Emma Prestridge recalled their love for wildlife and the outdoors, stating that Claire had felt “a sense of calm” living in New Zealand and truly enjoyed life there.
Police have confirmed they are treating the case as a murder-suicide and are not seeking any other suspects. A statement from authorities said: “Police are supporting the family at the centre of this tragic event. The family has requested privacy as they grieve their loss.”
Officials are also appealing for information, urging residents to come forward with CCTV footage from the Roseneath area, particularly Palliser Road and nearby streets, to assist in their investigation.
