Neighbours of the Indian-origin woman found burnt to death have revealed that people visited the house many times demanding money.
Ranjeeta Sharma, 28, from South Auckland was found dead along a road last week. Police believe she was burned alive and are now on the hunt for Ranjeetha's husband, who they maintain is 'a person of considerable significance to the investigation'.
Neighbour Neville Callander was quoted by New Zealand media saying the Sharmas left in a hurry.
"We came home one Saturday afternoon and they'd all gone. I understand they shot through because of rent owing or something like that but I never thought there was much to it. There was no violence or anything," he said.
Tenant Drew Packer added: "They just had heaps of bills, people coming round asking for money and asking if we know where they are."