Publican killed by punch

David White with his daughter Jesse May and partner Kirsty Barkman. Photo / Supplied

A publican who died after allegedly being punched in the head by one of his regulars had warned her about aggressive behaviour in the past.

David White died in the early hours of Friday after an altercation with a woman at the Little Wanganui Hotel, 20km south of Karamea on the West Coast of the South Island.

Police allege he was trying to intervene in a disagreement between two women.

Westport Senior Sergeant Geoff Scott was not available to answer questions about White's death yesterday and did not respond to an email asking if anyone had been charged or was in custody in relation to the incident.

St John Ambulance spokesman Ian Henderson said two ambulances and a doctor were sent to the pub at 2.43am but couldn't resuscitate White.

He bought the pub with partner Kirsty Barkman about five years ago. The couple lived there with their 4-year-old daughter Jesse May.

Barkman was at the pub when White was hit, but was in another room.

Close friend Dan Vos said the woman who allegedly punched White was a regular. He had left the pub several hours before White's death but had spoken to Barkman about the incident.

"It was a great party night. Everyone was having a lot of fun and high-spirited merry-making. She [the suspect] had been somewhere else and just bowled in and had a disagreement with Dave," he said.

"She had been warned a couple of times in the past about aggressive behaviour by Dave. But because it's a small town you cut people a bit of slack."

Vos said White's relationship with the woman "wasn't terrible" but could have been better. He has been staying at the hotel with Barkman and Jesse May since White's death.

"She's a bit stunned at the moment but she's bearing up rather well. We haven't heard anything from the police and we don't expect to until Monday."

Vos said the couple had been together about seven years. The pub was on the market and they were planning on moving back to Wanaka.

"Dave was a hell of a character. He always had a grin on his face," he said.

"He was into so many bloody things, he was a very sporty man. He was really big on hunting and fishing, and I often went out with him.

"He was wonderfully friendly and incredibly helpful. If you needed a hand you would go and ask Dave. He was well-known and respected in the community."

Before buying the pub White worked for the Buller Cricket Association as a development officer.

Association chairman John Lennon said White was in the role for two years.

"He was a very enthusiastic guy ... sociable ... one of those really positive people. He loved dealing with the kids especially. He was always trying for new initiatives to get more kids playing cricket and more people involved."