Christchurch police have confirmed that a car under forensic examination was owned by a retired woman whose death is the subject of a homicide investigation.
Police believe a burglary occurred at her home in the Port Hills suburb of Huntsbury, where she was found, and that she was the victim of an attack involving a weapon.
Investigators believe the woman was killed some time between 9am on Thursday and 3pm on Friday.
Acting Detective Inspector David Long says finding the silver Mazda Lantis hatchback is a significant breakthrough.
He says it's believed to have been used to transport a television and a computer taken from the Aotea Terrace property.
Police are very keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicle, registration WL 7343.
Detective Inspector Long says a member of the public reported the car in Riverlaw Terrace, 2km from the house, on Saturday morning.
Police also want to hear about any unreported burglaries, thefts or suspicious activity in the Huntsbury area in the past couple of weeks.
Detective Inspector Long won't comment on the nature of the woman's injuries or what type of weapon may have been involved.
More than 30 investigators are examining the address and surrounding area, as well as where the car was found.
Police have not yet formally identified the woman, who was found by a friend and a relative at about 4pm on Friday after she failed to keep an appointment.