Kaikohe, Jan 21 NZPA - A Kaikohe man has been remanded in custody after appearing on a charge of murder following a domestic incident in the town eight days ago.

Bailey Gabriel Pirini, 38, was remanded to February 8 when he appeared in Kaikohe District Court today charged with the murder of Lola Paraha, 47, who died in Whangarei Hospital last Thursday after being assaulted in a Kaikohe flat the previous night.

Pirini was initially charged with assaulting Ms Paraha, but this was upgraded to murder when he appeared in court today.

Police have said the victim died after a domestic incident at a property next to the Kaikohe police station, but have not detailed the nature of her injuries or said how she died.

Ms Paraha was flown to Whangarei Hospital after St John Ambulance staff were called to the house on the night of January 13 when a member of the public became concerned and tried to help the injured woman.

A two-year-old girl who was at the flat during the incident is now being cared for by family members. The girl is not related to the victim.