A man is appearing in court today (Wednesday February 12) charged with the murder of Karen White last year.

Ms White (60) was killed in her Lake Hāwea home on Friday March 8, 2024.

“Following a lengthy investigation, police have now charged a 61-year-old man with murder, and he is due in Queenstown District Court today,” Otago Lakes Area Commander Inspector Paula Enoka said.

“Police continue to support the family and friends of Ms White, and our condolences go out to them.”

Otago Lakes Central Police launched a homicide investigation in November last year, eight months after her death.

Police had initially described Ms White’s death as an “unexplained sudden death”.

In December, police said they were following positive lines of enquiry.

“We have confirmed the 60-year-old victim died as a result of injuries she sustained in a significant assault, and are speaking to a number of people who are assisting with enquiries,” Detective Senior Sergeant Regan Boucher said in December.

PHOTO: Supplied