Manhunt near Levin following stabbing

Police are still hunting a man after a stabbing at a property near Levin this morning. File photo / NZ Herald

Police are still hunting a man wanted in connection with a stabbing at a property south of Levin this morning.

A 34-year-old Foxton man was in Palmerston North Hospital's intensive care unit and was due to undergo further surgery this afternoon following the stabbing, which happened several kilometres south of the Horowhenua township between 5am and 5.30am.

The man was stabbed several times, mainly in the stomach but also in the arms, a St John spokeswoman said.

A police spokeswoman told NZPA this afternoon his injuries were "non-life threatening".

Police earlier charged a 41-year-old woman with assault and were hunting for a local man in relation to the incident, said Detective Sergeant Sarn Paroli of Levin police.

A passing truck driver rang police after seeing the wounded man in some distress coming out of a the State Highway 1 property.

"The victim has managed to get into a car and drive himself to the Shell Service Station in Levin to seek help," Mr Paroli said.

The service station attendant rang for an ambulance.

Police were continuing a forensic probe at the house where the stabbing occurred and have completed a scene examination at the service station.

Police refused to comment on a possible motive behind the stabbing and the relationship between the victim and the alleged attackers was unknown.'

"We still have a lot of inquiries to make and obviously we haven't been able to speak to the victim because of his medical condition," the spokeswoman said.

The arrested woman will appear in Levin District Court later today. Police are not ruling out more serious charges.

- NZPA