Surfers Paradise man Gable Tostee has been charged over the death of New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright, who fell from the balcony of his high-rise apartment last week.

The 28-year-old’s lawyer said he would plead not guilty to a charge of murder and intended to seek bail at a later date.

Police are yet to confirm the charge.

Ms Wright fell from the 14th floor of Tostee’s Avalon apartment at Surfers Paradise shortly after neighbours reported a disturbance inside.

Her mother and sister flew into the Gold Coast this week to help police with their investigation.

Ms Wright’s younger sister Reza, 23, made an emotional plea for information from the public.

Through tears, she said it was hard to start the grieving process when mystery still surrounds her sister’s death.

“It is hard for me facing the loss of my sister without knowing what happened in the last hours of her life,” she said.

The sisters, who had lived briefly in Australia when they were younger, had a tight bond and Ms Wright often took on a parental role.