Man in critical condition after stabbing in Takapau, police investigating

Police outside the Four Square supermarket in Takapau, Hawke's Bay. Investigations are under way after a man suffered severe stabbing wounds in an altercation on Monday evening. Photo / Rachel Wise

One person has been arrested after a man suffered multiple severe stab wounds in an altercation in Takapau, Central Hawke’s Bay last night.

Police, St John Ambulance and the HB Rescue Helicopter were called to Charlotte St at 5pm.

Police and members of the Armed Offenders Squad cordoned off streets around Takapau while they searched for the offender.

Two people were found near the Tukituki River in Waipukurau this morning and one was taken into custody to appear in the Hastings District Court this week.

The critically injured man, in his 50s, remains in Hawke’s Bay hospital.

Eastern District Detective Senior Sergeant James Keene said a group of people known to each other were at the Charlotte St address when an altercation happened.

“A man has suffered multiple stab wounds as a result,” Keene said.

“The victim has managed to get himself across the road to the Takapau Four Square where he lost consciousness and was airlifted to Hastings hospital where he remains in a critical condition.”

He said police had spoken to one person who was at the address at the time and inquiries were under way to find others.

Police praised the quick actions of staff at the Takapau Four Square and the Takapau Medical Centre for providing first aid to the injured man until St John Ambulance arrived.

The Takapau store posted on social media this morning that it would not be opening because of “an unexpected incident last evening”.

“We are working with the authorities to assess but for now it will remain closed temporarily for another few hours. We apologise for any inconvenience it may have caused.”