The publican of a West Coast hotel has died after being allegedly punched in the head by a patron, early today.
Westport Senior Sergeant Geoff Scott said David White, the owner of Karamea's Little Wanganui Hotel, had intervened in a disagreement between two women patrons about 2.30am.
One of the women allegedly punched Mr White's head and he fell to the floor where he died.
Paramedics unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate Mr White, who was understood to be in his late 40s.
Mr Scott said no one had yet been charged or taken into custody.
The two women were local, he said.
About 10 people were in the hotel at the time.
