New Zealander stabbed to death in Hungary

A New Zealander has been murdered in Budapest, Hungary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed this evening.

He was 48-year-old Warwick John White.

In a statement, his family said Mr White had been competing at the Triathlon ITU World Championships in Budapest.

Local media reported that he was found on a city street in the early hours of Sunday morning after being stabbed.

He passed away while being taken to hospital.

"Waz will be sorely missed by his friends and family, including a son and daughter in Wellington, a grandson, his mother and sister in Christchurch, father in Levin and four nieces and nephews," the statement said.

"His large network of worldwide friends is a testament to his easy going personality, love of fun and willingness to help others advance adventure sports."

Mr White had spent most of the last eight years living in South America and Europe, travelling extensively, setting up language schools and adventure programmes around the globe and developing property.

When he died, Mr White was representing Ecuador at the World Triathlon Championships in the 45-49 age group where he finished 38th in the men's sprint event.

He was due to return home to New Zealand to climb Mount Cook later this year.

The statement said Mr White had spent close to 15 years as a secondary school and tertiary teacher in Wellington and the Wairarapa as well as running several adventure tourism businesses.

His sister is travelling to Hungary and will bring his body back to New Zealand once it is released by police. His family are awaiting the results of an enquiry being conducted by police in Budapest.

The Ministry's Consular Division has been providing consular assistance to the family.

- NZ Herald staff