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British Couple Discovered Dead in New Zealand Home in Suspected Murder-Suicide
Authorities in New Zealand are investigating the deaths of a British couple, identified by local news outlets as Claire and Ben Anderson, in what appears to be a murder-suicide. The pair, believed to be in their 50s, were discovered deceased on Monday evening at their residence in Roseneath, an affluent suburb of Wellington. Police gained entry to the property after receiving a welfare concern.
Roseneath Community Expresses Shock and Grief
Neighbors have expressed their shock and sadness following the tragic incident. Emma Prestidge, a resident of Roseneath, described the Andersons to the New Zealand Herald as “dream neighbours” who had recently relocated from London.
“The lady mentioned that… living in London, she often felt insecure. However, in New Zealand, she experienced… a feeling of peace and believed she could truly enjoy life here,” Prestidge recounted.
Details Emerge About the Couple’s Life in New Zealand
According to local reports and neighbours, Ben Anderson had been residing and working in New Zealand for some time, while Claire Anderson joined him in December. Ben was reportedly employed in academia, having worked at universities in both Britain and New Zealand. Claire was said to be a teacher.
A neighbour disclosed that the couple had adult children residing in New Zealand and had considered relocating to Otago to be closer to them. Their landlord remembered them as individuals “passionate about being in NZ and giving their family the experience of living here.”
Tributes Paid to “Wonderful Human Beings”
The landlord further described the couple as adventurous and full of life, stating, “Both they and their family lived life to the absolute full and were always planning or doing amazing adventures.”
Of the Andersons, the landlord fondly recalled, “He was a clever, caring, charming man. She was vibrant, kind, intelligent and both of them made friends wherever they went. They were both absolutely wonderful human beings.”
Further tributes emphasized their positive impact: “They were both such positive and incredible parents, friends, and members of many communities. We send our love and condolences to their [family] and friends.”
Police Investigation Ongoing in Roseneath
Police have confirmed they are providing support to the family during this difficult time. Another neighbour, Paul Prestidge, described the couple as “very friendly people” and mentioned they would occasionally host dinner parties.
He also indicated that the couple had a son who lived elsewhere and that Claire might have been a teacher. Prestidge recalled seeing the couple approximately a week and a half prior to their deaths but was unsure if he had seen them more recently.
Emma Prestidge added in a separate interview with Radio New Zealand that the couple had recently “packed up their lives in London” with the intention of settling permanently in New Zealand, viewing it as “the next phase of their life.”
Authorities Reassure Roseneath Residents
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the deaths. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, Detective Inspector Haley Ryan of the New Zealand Police stated, “I want to provide assurance that there is no ongoing risk to the Roseneath community.”
Police have asked local residents to anticipate a heightened police presence in the Roseneath area as inquiries continue. They have also clarified that they are not seeking any other individuals in connection with the incident and appeal to the public for assistance:
“We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information that can help our enquiries, and anyone with residential CCTV that captures traffic movements in the Roseneath area, particularly on Palliser Road and surrounding streets, to contact Police.”
The police statement concluded by requesting anyone with information to contact them online or by calling 105, referencing file number 250401/2474 or ‘Operation Palliser’.