Police have named the mother-of-two who died following a violent attack in Wellington and say they want to speak to a man who was well-known to the woman.

The body of Amanda Dawn Taufale, 33, was found by family members at a house on Sunrise Boulevard in Tawa on Thursday morning, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam says.

Police want to speak to Ernest Smith, 38, who is a close associate of the dead woman.

They are also appealing for sightings of Ms Taufale and Mr Smith or his blue Toyota Corolla hatchback - registration GMB108.

There are 35 officers working on the investigation.

Police have cordoned off the house and also a vehicle found at the nearby Takapu Road railway station.

• Members of the public are asked to contact 0800 485 380 if they have any information.