The death of a man who was "king hit" during an altercation at a local pub still remains shrouded in mystery.
In his findings, released today, Coroner Richard McElrea found Dale Bellaney, 39, died after an incident at the Crown Hotel in Temuka in November 2012.
Despite carrying out an extensive investigation, police are yet to identify who or what was responsible for the injuries that led to his death, the report said.
Coroner McElrea said Mr Bellaney was enjoying a quiet night at the Crown Hotel when he became involved in an altercation with two groups of patrons who had arrived from the Temuka Hotel.
In the process of trying to protect a female friend, Mr Bellaney became involved and was assaulted himself.