The preliminary results of the post-mortem examination on Rotoiti man Hawea Vercoe indicate that he died after sustaining a brain injury.

The 36-year-old Environment Bay of Plenty councillor and school principal died outside a bar in Whakatane early on Sunday morning.

Until the full post-mortem results are available, police are unable to determine whether the brain injury came from a punch, or as a result of a fall.

The inquiry is continuing, following yesterday's court appearance by 21-year-old Isaiah Tai, who is charged with Mr Vercoe's murder.

Inquiry head Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen is firmly dismissing speculation of any gang connections to Mr Vercoe's death.