The police officer was allegedly punched in the face and bitten on the neck and leg.
"The bites broke the officer's skin, so infection was a concern.
"Human bites are worse than dog bites."
The officer was treated at Gisborne Hospital.
Gisborne area commander Inspector Sam Aberahama said the female police officer came to the policeman's aid.
All available units were called to the scene.
Mr Aberahama said the man was a Black Power gang member and the incident was "unprovoked and extremely violent".
"There is always a concern when an officer is attacked... it is not pleasant to see a staff member lying on a hospital bed with broken skin and needles all around," he said.
Attacks on police officers in Gisborne were rare but staff were always at the ready for any potential domestic incident.
Officers were now permitted to take more high-end protection, such as tasers, on a job.
In the past, officers were required to get permission from senior staff to take tasers on jobs. Now they assessed an incident themselves before responding.
"There are a variety of tactical options we can take. The best is the 'voice'... where we might say to someone settle down, calm down...
"That is the tactical option we use the most. We will only enforce anything further if the incident is dangerous for our staff."
Police Minister and East Cape MP Anne Tolley said the incident reinforced the danger police get themselves into on a day-to-day basis.
"We are grateful for the courage of the officers and hope the injured policeman is fine."
- GISBORNE HERALD
