Chairs and tables were reportedly used as weapons during the brutal fracas.
Friend Noelani Hudson said she was completely shocked when she heard Mr Hulton was fighting for his life.
Mrs Hudson said Mr Hulton would help anyone out if they were in trouble.
Mr Hulton for Mrs Hudson's husband's firm as a labourer before moving to Australia about five or six years ago. She also knew him through Waikite Gym in Rotorua.
"It is a shock to find someone you know is beaten unconscious.
"He is a really good worker, happy-go-lucky."
She said he had moved to Perth to build a better life for his family, including his two children.
Mrs Hulton said extended family were also in Australia, and she believed his dad and brother were also living in Perth.
Rotorua's Josh Te Kowhai, who runs the Waikite Gym, said he was a member at the gym until he left for Australia about six years ago.
"He's a real nice guy ... real family man."
He said Mr Hulton was close with his brother and father and "loved his kids".
A 32-year-old man from Balga will face court today, charged with grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning bodily harm.
The second charge relates to a second man who was injured, the West Australian said.
A 32-year-old man from Ballajura will also face an assault occasioning bodily harm charge relating to the second victim.
Both alleged offenders will appear in the Midland Magistrates Court on Friday.
The police investigation into the assaults is ongoing.
- Additional reporting by Rebecca Malcolm
