Tony Williams, from Tauranga, was found dead by a band mate and his wife at the Mermaid Waters unit complex on Sunshine Blvd just before 2pm on Christmas Eve.
Mr Williams, who moved to the Gold Coast about 15 years ago, was the lead singer of the band Sex 'N' Chocolate, which played weekly at a local nightclub. By day, he worked as an orderly at Gold Coast Hospital.
His father Naki flew to Australia last night, with funeral preparations to be made today.
Mr Williams' body would be taken home to New Zealand for a traditional tangi, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
The newspaper said he had a daughter and a son about 10 years old. He was separated from his wife and police were thought to following up leads in his private life.
Detective Superintendent David Hutchinson said it appeared he was murdered soon after being dropped at his unit by a female friend.
Police believed the killer might have been waiting for him to arrive home.
His death followed an altercation in which he was hit with an object.
"He was struck around the head and the body and as a result of those injuries he has died,'' Mr Hutchinson said.
Police were continuing to doorknock neighbours as part of the ongoing investigation.
Mr Williams' mother told One News last night she would miss his silly humour and constant singing.
She said his last message to her said: "Mum stop sending me those stupid texts, you know I love you''.
He said he would next ring her for Christmas.
Well-known Australians have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Williams, including former Kiwis' league captain Roy Asotasi and pop star Ricki-Lee.
