Man dies in hospital after weekend assault

A man who was assaulted at a church fundraising event in Mangere over the weekend has died in hospital.

Counties Manukau police launched a homicide inquiry after the 46-year-old died in Middlemore Hospital yesterday.

His name is expected to be released today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Richard Middleton said 200 to 300 people attended the event at the Nga Tapuwae Community Centre in Buckland Rd on Saturday night.

There was an altercation at the party and the Mangere man suffered head injuries, Mr Middleton said.

An ambulance was called at 10pm and he was taken to hospital.

The man's condition deteriorated and he died at 1.30pm yesterday.

It was not clear which church held the fundraiser but Mr Middleton said a liquor licence had been granted and tickets were sold to the event.

Manukau City Council was unable to provide information on the licence last night, but the centre bookings manager said the venue was booked by a Greenlane church.

Mr Middleton said police were contacting people who attended the party but wanted to hear from anyone with information about how the man was injured.

The inquiry team can be contacted on (09) 295 020.