KEY POINTS:
Police have released photos of a couple they say were seen fighting with a Pacific Island man shortly before he was stabbed in the head, back and stomach.
The 26-year-old victim, who has been told he will lose the sight in his left eye as a result of the attack, is said to be devastated by what has happened to him and is being supported by friends, family and victim support.
Police said the man was stabbed up to 12 times with a knife or sharp instrument early on Saturday.
"This is a vicious, unprovoked attack," said Detective Kevin Blackman. "We will certainly catch the person or persons responsible."
Witnesses described seeing a man and a woman arguing with the victim shortly before he was stabbed in a sector of the Hibiscus Coast Highway recreation area, about 50m from the Orewa police station.
The injured man was escorted to the police by a witness.
He received medical attention from staff at the station before being taken to Auckland City Hospital.
He was later transferred to Green Lane Hospital for surgery and was discharged on Monday.
Mr Blackman said police found two drink bottles at the scene of the stabbing.
These had been sent for analysis to the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).
"We believe these bottles belong to the two individuals who were in the area at the time of the stabbing and we hope they will come forward so we can further advance our inquiries," he said.
One of the people sought is described as a Maori or olive-skinned European man aged between 25 and 35, 1.72m to 1.78m tall and of solid build. He had long untidy dreadlocks and was wearing blue jeans and no shirt.
The second person is a female European, about 23, of solid build with long, black hair.
Mr Blackman said both people were seen leaving the scene in a small black station wagon similar to a Mitsubishi Libero.
People with information are asked to contact Mr Blackman on (09) 426-4555.
