Chip choked NZ tycoon say police

Business leader Howard Paterson choked to death on a chip, Fiji police said last night.

Mr Paterson was found dead in his room at the Sheraton Fiji hotel on Tuesday morning, after missing a business meeting.

He had ordered a burger and chips in his room early on Tuesday.

The 50-year-old South Island farmer, property developer and biotechnology investor was one of New Zealand's richest men.

His funeral will be held at First Church in Dunedin on Monday.


- NZPA