Husband and wife killed in 'family harm related incident' - police

Police have released the names of the two people killed in Epsom, Auckland, and say the double homicide was a "family harm related incident".

Detective Inspector Scott Beard confirmed in a statement that the two people who died from stab wounds on Friday were husband and wife Herman and Elizabeth Bangera, aged 60 years and 55 years respectively.

A man who is related to the couple is in a critical but stable condition in Auckland Hospital and is under police guard, Beard said.

Beard said police were not seeking anyone else in connection to this incident.

He said police were waiting until the man's condition improved to speak with him.

"We will rely on the medical experts letting us know when it is appropriate to interview him."

He said no charges had been laid "at this stage".

Beard said the couple were the victims in this tragedy.

"This is a double homicide, this is a family incident and it's a tragedy. A husband and wife have lost their lives and obviously we feel for the family and we extend our condolences."

Police have spoken to family members both in New Zealand and overseas.

"This is a tragedy. The two victims here have family, brothers, sisters, and the rest of the family are struggling. We're offering a lot of support, victim support around that."

He said police were still trying to establish the motive.

"Part of the police investigation is looking into the background of all the family members because people want to know, the police want to know, why did this happen. We still haven't established that."

Beard said a close family friend of the deceased couple was called to the house shortly before the double fatal stabbing, and was also injured.

"The person who suffered the superficial injuries was a close family friend and he was called to the scene not long before the incident and understandably he is in shock and so we're offering support. We have interviewed him and he's assisted us greatly."

Post-mortem examinations and formal identification processes on the deceased couple were completed this afternoon.

"The scene examination is ongoing, and the investigation team is continuing to speak to people associated with the family," Beard said.

"Police wish to thank those members of the public who have provided information to assist. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of those involved in this tragic incident."

He said it was a traumatic situation for emergency services staff who were being offered support.

Herman and Elizabeth left Goa to make New Zealand their home over a decade ago.

Auckland Indian Association president Narendra Bhana said the couple were highly respected.

"They were Christian, they used to go to church regularly. They were a really harmless peaceful family."

He said the community was in shock.

"The community is grieving, everybody is finding it hard to believe what has happened to this family who is very highly respected in the community. We are just shocked to hear this news."

Bhana said the family of the victims will not be alone in their grief.

"Every family is different so once the police investigation is over, Indian community leaders will be approaching the family and seeing what assistance they require from the community."

A spokesperson for the University of Auckland, where Elizabeth worked, said they were shocked and saddened by the news.

"Elizabeth has been part of our university community for many years, working as a Group Services Coordinator in the School of Pharmacy (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences)," they said.

"She was a highly respected colleague and friend. Support and trauma counselling is available to anyone in the university affected by this tragic incident."

Some who knew the couple have posted tributes on social media.

One woman said she will miss seeing Herman's beautiful smile at work - Fisher and Paykel Healthcare.

Another said they will never forget Herman's kind heart and loving words.