Dunedin police have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the tragic results of king hits - people killed by one single punch.
After some high-profile cases fuelled by alcohol, the police have partnered with the Accident Compensation Corporation, Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago, to start the Just One Punch campaign.
Constable Shelley Phair said it was clear people did not understand the consequences of drinking and becoming violent. She said the Just One Punch campaign was about encouraging people to make informed decisions when out on the town.
"We're wanting to get the message across that just one punch can have really serious consequences...from destroying your career, destroying relationships, to killing someone."
Shelley Phair said the campaign was being rolled out in the south and would then be expanded nationally.
After being punched once in central Auckland last November, Tarun Asthana fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement. The 25-year-old was taken to hospital and placed on life support, but died two days later.
At the High Court in Auckland on Wednesday, naval rating Grenville McFarland, 27, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
