Man stabbed outside Auckland City Mission

File photo / NZ Herald

A man has been stabbed in the chest while waiting for the Auckland City Mission drop-in centre to open this morning.

Emergency services were called to city mission at 140 Hobson St after the man was stabbed at 7.56am.

Auckland City Mission spokeswoman Carole French said the stabbed man, who was known to staff, banged on the door asking for help.

He was given medical help at the first aid centre inside the city mission before ambulance staff arrived, she said.

St John's Ambulance team leader Keith Hall said a man in his mid-forties was taken to Auckland Hospital in a moderate condition with stab wounds to his abdomen.

A police spokeswoman said it was likely the stabbing was carried out by someone known to the victim.

An investigation had been launched and several leads were being followed up, she said.

"I'm sure we will locate this person."

City Missioner Diane Robertson said she was saddened to see violence on the city streets.

"But thankful that we had trained staff on site who were able to help."

The Auckland City Mission has closed its drop-in centre on Hobson Street,for the morning to give police access while they investigate the attack.

Mission staff are still providing services at temporary facilities off Federal Street.