A 19-year-old has appeared in the Christchurch District Court charged with murdering a woman at a rural address earlier today.

He is also facing two charges of assault in a family relationship relating to two other women.

He was initially charged with assaulting one of the women with intent to injure but that was upgraded before his case was called.

A scene guard is at the cordon of a property on Burnham School Rd where a woman was found dead in the early hours of the morning. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

The teenager has been granted interim name suppression.

Court orders also prevent the Herald from naming the three women – and their specific relationship to the alleged offender.

Police sought time for the family to inform other loved ones about what had happened to the elderly woman and the allegations against the 19-year-old.

The accused appeared via audiovisual link before Judge Brian Callaghan this afternoon.

His lawyer, Phil Shamy, sought a remand in custody without plea.

The teen was silent during the brief hearing. He wore a sleeveless prison-issued vest and clasped his hands in front of him while Shamy addressed the court.

The teen was ordered to reappear in the High Court on February 12.

Shamy said a further application for suppression may be advanced on that date.

He needed time to take further instruction from his client.

Officers have started a scene examination at the rural property. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

Police launched a homicide investigation this morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said emergency services were called to a Burnham School Rd address about 3.05am after receiving a report of disorder.

“After arriving at the property, police located the body of a woman,” she said.

Specialist teams have now arrived at the property and a scene examination is underway.