By Katie Ham of 
James Liu Photo: supplied
Local police have launched an investigation after a New Zealand professor died while snorkelling off a beach in Indonesia.
Dr James Liu was in Indonesia as an invited keynote speaker at the International Association of Cross-Cultural Psychology when he passed out during a swim in the sea on Sunday.
While it initially looked like he had drowned, Liu's daughter told Stuff that his autopsy showed he had actually died from having food in his respiratory tract.
Bree Bonson-Liu, 23, said that her father was pulled from the water alive.
"He was still trying to breathe and spit out the water, but no one did CPR or mouth-to-mouth," Bree said.
A police investigation into the tour company had since been opened, she said.
Liu was a professor at Massey University's School of Psychology and was also a long-time member of the International Society of Political Psychology.
"Dad was a cross-cultural social psychologist, so he spent a lot of his career trying to develop a standard of psychology in South East Asia and especially in Indonesia.
"He had so many plans and died young, but we want to make sure something comes out of his death," Bree said.
Liu was a strong swimmer and certified diver, who would swim at Long Bay every day in the summer.
Bree and both of her parents had recently walked more than 100km in Italy in a pilgrimage.
"Local media said he died from exhaustion, but the autopsy ruled that out. The thought of him before tired after a half hour hike is ridiculous."
Bree hoped that details about his father's funeral would be announced soon.
International Society of Political Psychology paid tribute to Liu on its Facebook page saying he will be "greatly missed".
"We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr James Liu, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Political Psychology, and was a beloved member of our ISPP community, known for his warmth, intellect, and dedication," the post read.
"We are forever grateful for the profound contributions he made to the field of political psychology. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."
Massey University also shared a tribute stating that Liu was "a family man and a treasured friend to many".
"James was an incredible scholar and academic, with more than 200 refereed publications, which have been cited more than 10,000 times," a Massey University spokesperson said.
"James was a family man and a treasured friend and colleague to many in the School of Psychology, and the wider university community.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
College of Humanities and Social Sciences Pro Vice-Chancellor of Massey University, Professor Cynthia White added that Liu was an exceptional academic, colleague and mentor, and a leading figure in cross-cultural psychology, nationally and internationally.
"In 2015 he was appointed Head of School of Psychology at Massey University and he brought a strong background of applied research to the position as well as research and management leadership," White said.
"He generously shared his knowledge and expertise with colleagues and students and was unfailingly committed to the success of Massey, our staff and our graduates."
She added: "He was a fantastic mentor and thoroughly enjoyed hallway conversations that often encouraged and challenged in equal measure."
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told Stuff that consular officials are providing assistance to the family of a New Zealander in Indonesia.
* This article was originally published by Stuff.
