Model boss' grief

Ajoh Chol competed in 2009. Photo / Supplied

A top modelling boss is mourning the violent death of her father at her home in an upmarket Auckland suburb.

Natalie Culpan's father Brian Lindsay Culpan, 72, was found dead at her St Heliers home - a second blow for the Visage Models director, who ended her marriage last year.

Brian Culpan went to visit his daughter and got involved in an altercation with a man he knew well, according to neighbours.

Natalie was the agent for Sudanese model Ajoh Chol, who competed in New Zealand's Next Top Model in 2009. She is one of a number of well-known models and performers who have been signed to Visage.

Singer and scriptwriter Taryn Lunny, who was previously signed with Visage, said Natalie was taking the blow very hard.

"She's a lovely person," Lunny said. "She is upset and overwhelmed."

St Heliers neighbour David Rich said he often socialised with Brian Culpan, who painted his daughter's home last winter.

"Brian was the kind of guy who had a big personality," Rich said.

"He had strong ideas about things, he was a very fit guy, very keen on his tennis and sailing. He was a successful businessman."

A 50-year-old man has been charged with assault and released on bail. He has also been granted interim name suppression.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Hooper said it was too soon to tell if further charges would be laid.