Tourist beaten because of accent

New Zealand's reputation for great hospitality has been dented again after a tourist was beaten up in Westport. 

The Irish tourist had been on a night out in Westport and was returning to his accommodation at 3.30am when he was attacked in Westport's main street.

Senior sergeant Geoff Scott said the 32-year-old had been at a night club and was walking with some locals he had met at the club.

He was approached, and spoken to, by a male from a group who had been in the area.

He was suddenly and unexpectedly punched in the face, after which he fell to the ground where he was kicked in the head allegedly by the same attacker.

During the attack the newly made acquaintances came to his assistance and they too received some minor injuries.

In the resulting melee one of the attackers was pushed through a shop window.

The visitor received lacerations to his face and head.

He was treated at the Buller Hospital and discharged.

On Tuesday Westport police arrested a 20 year old local male, a timber worker, and have charged with  injuring with intent to injure.

He is due to appear in the Westport District Court this afternoon where police will be opposing bail.

Further charges are likely to be laid against this person, Scott said.

Scott said the investigation continues and others are likely to be arrested on related charges arising from the incident.

"This attack was without provocation and appears to have occurred only because the victim spoke with an accent."

On April 12 eight tourists were attacked and suffered knife wounds in an unprovoked attack in Christchurch's Cashel mall.

The tourists, who were Danish and English, were allegedly attacked because they "spoke funny."

Four men are facing charges.