Mr Paul owned the Pub `n' Grub and KazBar hotels in Taupo. He also owned the Lava Rock Cafe. Pub 'n' Grub manager Angela Banks said Mr Paul and his wife, Brenda, sponsored sporting teams, youth activities and community organisations in Taupo.
"He was a lovely awesome guy who would do anything for anybody. We're all in a state of shock," Miss Banks said.
In recent years Mr Paul played a key role in keeping Taupo bar patrons safe.
He was part of a group of Taupo publicans who ensured that customers barred from one hotel would not be allowed back in any other Taupo pub during the term of their ban. Mr Paul believed Taupo hotels were there to provide entertainment and the opportunity for customers to wind down and enjoy themselves.
"There is no need for bad attitudes and no room for violence when everyone is just looking for a good time," he said when the scheme was introduced in 2010.
Constable Richard Jellyman of Tairua said Mr Paul had been travelling on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which left the road about three kilometres outside Tairua, south of Whitianga.
"There was no other vehicle involved," Mr Jellyman said.
