A well-known Waikato thoroughbred horse-racing figure has been shot dead in a killing that has rocked the close-knit industry.
Hamilton detectives started a homicide inquiry early yesterday after being called to a Banks Ave property near Matamata racecourse, where officers found the woman's body in an outhouse.
It is understood the woman is Helen Meads, wife and business partner of thoroughbred breeder Greg Meads.
She was a mother of three.
A source, who asked not to be named, said Mr and Mrs Meads had been married about 10 years, and had been in business together, breeding and training horses, since then.
Mrs Meads had two children - a son in his early 20s and a teenage daughter - from a previous relationship.
The couple also had a child aged about 8.
Another industry insider, who asked not to be named, said everyone was stunned by the news and had reacted with complete disbelief to Mrs Meads' sudden and violent death.
"It's a hard industry - you're racing for multimillion dollars a week, but everyone respects each other."
The man said he did not know Mrs Meads, but described Mr Meads as "the loveliest, quietest, most unassuming bloke you've ever met in your life".
Until three days ago, Mr Meads part-owned Ginga Dude, the winner of nine races and more than $340,000 in stakes.
Mr Meads had been involved in the racing industry "pretty much all his life" and was a "middle-of-the-road" horse-breeder, and the owner of Willow Park Stud, the man said.
Mr Meads sold his share in Ginga Dude to partners Graeme Boyd and Raewyn Yovich on Monday.
The Meads' property, on a quiet country lane, was cordoned off yesterday.
A neighbour and close friend said she had never heard of any trouble from the address.
"This is completely out of the blue. I know them well, and I would have never expected this. They were a lovely couple."
Mrs Meads' children were not at home at the time of the shooting and relatives were caring for them last night.
Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Van De Wetering, of the Waikato CIB, said a man found at the scene surrendered when police arrived.
Police were questioning him over the death of Mrs Meads.
No-one else was being sought in connection with the inquiry.
