A man has pleaded guilty to beating a young Christchurch mum to death 24 years ago.

Jeremy Powell, 45, appeared in the High Court in Christchurch this morning.

He's admitted to killing 21-year-old Angela Blackmoore in 1995 - as her two year old son slept in the next room.

A woman in her forties is also appearing in the Christchurch High Court in relation to the case.

In the summary of facts, the court heard Powell turned up to the victims house with a bat, and a large knife hidden in his trench coat.

Powell then admitted beating her over the head with the bat - until she was dead.

Blackmoore suffered 39 wounds to the head and neck.

In the summary, Powell claims he was to be paid $10,000 for killing her.

He'll be sentenced on April 1.

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE AS NEWSTALK ZB REPORTER AMBER ALLOTT SPEAKS TO CHRIS LYNCH