The Navy says it can't comment on one of its sailors being charged with hitting a man who later died.
Tarun Asthana had been on life support in hospital since he was attacked in central Auckland early on Saturday and died surrounded by friends and family on Monday morning.
Grenville David McFarland was identified as a naval rating when he appeared in the Auckland District Court.
The 27-year-old has been charged with assault, but police say a more serious charge will be laid when he next appears.
The Navy will say only that it is supporting police with their investigation into what it calls an incident.
Police say Mr Asthana was punched once and fell, hitting his head on the pavement near the intersection of Queen and Customs streets.
They say liquor law changes being brought in forcing bars to close at 4am will hopefully help prevent these kind of assaults in future.
Inspector Gary Davey says after the Australian city of Newcastle brought in similar laws a few years ago, it had a 37% reduction in assaults.
