Police say the extent of injuries to a woman fatally shot in the Waikato town of Matamata is making the job of formally identifying her difficult.
The woman, whom police describe as middle-aged, was discovered in an out-building on a property near the racecourse on the outskirts of Matamata on Wednesday.
Police say the shooting was domestic related and they are talking with a man, also described as middle-aged, who was at the scene when officers arrived.
Police confirmed they are not looking for anyone else and say the woman and man were known to each other.
Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Van de Wetering says the woman received one wound from a shotgun, but would not confirm whether she had head injuries.
Mr Van de Wetering says the shooting took place between 7.15am and 8am, and that a man visiting the property contacted police.
Information is being sought from residents living near the scene who may have heard gun shots.
Mr Van de Wetering says the man taken from the scene is being interviewed and it is possible he may be charged later on Wednesday.
The woman's body will be taken to Auckland for a post-mortem examination, which is likely to take place on Thursday.