A picture of the events leading to the death of a Queenstown man in the resort on Thursday night was beginning to emerge, but there was still "a long way to go", Senior Sergeant John Fookes said yesterday.
Mark James Smith (47) was knocked unconscious on Camp St and attempts to revive him by community guides at the scene were unsuccessful.
The father of two was in charge of the roofing division at Laser Plumbing.
His wife, Fiona, works at Queenstown Primary School.
The Smith family did not wish to make any comment yesterday.
Snr Sgt Fookes said they were "naturally devastated".
"We are in close contact with the family, trying to provide what support we can, as are Victim Support.
"Obviously, they have been helpful in terms of the inquiry ... it's very trying times for them.
"There have been no negative comments [about Mr Smith] whatsoever.
"He was a well-liked member of the community, a well-regarded family man, father of two and a husband.
"It's very, very sad."
Police were called to the scene at 11.30pm and shortly afterwards a 34-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault.
After an appearance in the Queenstown District Court on Friday the man, who has name suppression, was remanded in custody to appear in the Invercargill District Court on Friday.
No further charges had been laid.
Snr Sgt Fookes said a 25-strong team of police staff from Queenstown, Invercargill and other Otago stations were continuing to work on the inquiry, but it would be a couple of days before any further information about the events leading to Mr Smith's death could be made public.
A postmortem was carried out in Invercargill on Friday, but few details of the preliminary findings could be released.
Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Blackie said releasing the details would potentially compromise the inquiry and the integrity of the coronial process.
Investigators were still "very keen" for anyone who was at the Camp St taxi rank between 11pm and 11.45pm on Thursday night who had not yet come forward, to contact the police on the witness line, (03) 441-1629.
