Kiwi killed in Vanuatu a 'friendly, popular' local

Shocked friends of the New Zealander who died after an altercation outside a Vanuatu nightclub say the popular long time island resident will be sadly missed.

Hanz Christian, who was in his 60s, died trying to break up a fight between a female friend and her boyfriend at a Port Vila nightclub about 1am local time when the boyfriend turned on him, said Detective Inspector Maryline George.

Nightclub security alerted police, but the man had already suffered fatal head injuries.

Mr Christian had lived on the island for more than 10 years. He worked as an engineer and crewed on a 33m catamaran called Big Sista that transported passengers between Port Vila and Luganville Santo.

Jean Pierre Rolland was shocked to learn this morning his friend and colleague had died.

"It was surprising what happened. A lot of people will be crying and feeling sorry for him.''

He said arrangements were being made to send Mr Christian's body back to New Zealand.

The death of the friendly, popular local would affect the whole community, said fellow yachtsman and Vanuatu Cruising Yacht Club committee member Sam Bell.

"He was a well-liked person in the community. It's a real shame for Port Vila.''

Mr Christian had gone to club Planet 107 with the woman and a group of female friends, when her boyfriend showed up and became angry, said Ms George.

"That guy he came and tried to talk to his girlfriend and had a fight with her. The man has come to help the young girl and he tried to separate the girl but the local guy fought back.''

The Kiwi man was taken to Vila Central Hospital but later died.

The other man involved was in custody and police were speaking to witnesses, said Ms George.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was aware of the incident and the High Commission in Port Vila was helping Mr Christian's family.