Murray wilkinson RIP A great loss
THE Queensland man caught up in a seemingly random violent attack in New Zealand on New Year's Day has died of his injuries.
The 64-year-old man has been identified as Robert Murray Wilkinson by police.
More police have been called into the beach town, Waihi Beach, as the case heightens to a homicide.
Queensland-based Mr Wilkinson died from his injuries at Waikato Hospital on Thursday afternoon after spending days in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Investigators have to deal with a fluctuating tourist population as they investigate the homicide.
Tourists, who can see the town's population swell from 3000 to 16,000, have been stopped outside Waihi Beach as police look for information and even photos that may contain clues.
But police are facing extra challenges as another wave of tourists are expected to hit the coastal town for another rock concert, the Waihi Beach Hotel Summer Festival.
Police said Mr Wilkinson's wife was understandably "traumatised'' by the early morning attack, which happened when the couple heard a noise outside their caravan and went to investigate.
The Australian couple, who lived in New Zealand before moving to Queensland, were staying in the caravan in front of a friend's home on Beach Road.
"They had been friends for eons and the couple usually come over every year,'' local Bill Ward said.
"Before the tragedy they had been playing the spoons - as in the musical one - on the balcony. They had a really good evening.''
Mr Ward said the attack, which police have said appears to be random, had shaken the tight-knit community.
"It happens in other communities but when it happens in your own you realise how vulnerable (your community) is,'' he said.
Police are door-knocking locals and have also set up a van in the town, asking any tourists who have taken photos from the scene to step forward.
A New Zealand police spokesman said many people had come forward to help with the investigation.
The weapon, believed to be a knife, has not yet been found.