A Waiheke Island woman found alive and well by emergency services was discovered unresponsive in her bed less than an hour later – with police now saying her death is suspicious.
Chantelle McLaughlin-Middlemiss, 32, died at her Onetangi property on the island in the Hauraki Gulf on June 2.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said police believed some people knew what had happened to her and urged them to come forward.
"From our investigation we believe that there are some people that have information that is important to the case," he said.
Emergency services had first gone to the Waiheke Rd address at about 2.42pm after a report that McLaughlin-Middlemiss might be dead.
"These concerns were allayed and no immediate concerns required any intervention," Friend said.
Calls were then made to her family, and people known to them went to the property.
"At around 3.30pm, people known to the family located Chantelle unresponsive in bed. First aid was provided and emergency services were called," Friend said.
"Fire and ambulance staff attended but sadly could not revive her, and Chantelle was pronounced deceased."
Police have run the investigation, named Operation Gannon, since June.
Friend said investigators were focused on that gap of under an hour, and on anyone McLaughlin-Middlemiss had contact with that day.
"I recognise there may be mixed loyalties at play, and some people might feel challenged to come forward," he said.
"We are determined on finding out what has led to Chantelle's death. We owe it to her whānau and children to find these answers, so we ask you to speak with us."
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