Residents in an eastern Christchurch suburb are remaining positive - despite a tough week

The launching of a homicide investigation and a large gang pad fire has left New Brighton on edge.

A man has name suppression after appearing in court charged with murder following the death of a homeless woman in the suburb overnight.

It's just days after a property - linked to the Mongrel Mob - was gutted by fire on Bowhill Road.

Waitai Coastal-Burwood Community Board chairman Kelly Barber says it's tough on people's psyche - but it isn't specific to their part of town.

He says they generally live in a very safe part of town - and the suburb's really turned a corner in terms of its future.