The man arrested and charged with the murder of journalist Derek Round has made a brief appearance in court.

Michael Umanui Werahiko, 31, of no fixed abode, appeared in Whanganui District Court on Tuesday afternoon.

He was remanded in custody without plea until June 6, Fairfax reports.

Mr Round was found dead in his home in Campbell Street, Whanganui on Thursday.

Mr Round, 77, a former New Zealand Press Association editor and foreign correspondent, died after several violent blows to his head.

A statement from Mr Round's family released on Tuesday said they were grateful to police and the public.

"News of the arrest is a huge relief," they said.

"We are still in shock but with the help of family, friends and police are continuing to deal with things one step at a time."

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby said police investigations were continuing, especially as there was a chance more than one person was involved in Mr Round's death.

Police were still keen on hearing about any sightings of Mr Round's distinctive blue Jaguar XJ6 between Wednesday night and Thursday.

They also still want to find several items of clothing - a red long-sleeved jersey or sweatshirt, a black leather sleeveless vest, dark coloured stonewashed jeans, dark fingerless gloves, and a pair of dark coloured sports shoes with white around the soles and coloured laces.