Radio NZ journalist in street bashing

The man was attacked on Boulcott Street, Wellington early this morning. Photo / NZ Herald

A Radio New Zealand (RNZ) journalist remains in Wellington Hospital's intensive care unit after being assaulted in central Wellington early yesterday.

The man, in his 40s, was understood to be on his way home from working an overnight shift at RNZ in The Terrace when the assault occurred in nearby Boulcott Street.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Miller said the man had left work at 5.30am and walked through Gilmer Terrace to Boulcott Street.

"The victim got halfway down Boulcott Street outside the Baptist Church where there appears an altercation has taken place,'' Mr Miller said.

The man yesterday underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain and remains in intensive care.

RNZ communications manager John Barr said staff in the Wellington newsroom were subdued following the attack, which happened in broad daylight in a public place.

"We take seriously the safety and security of all of our staff, particularly those who are working overnight shifts,'' he said.

The man was wearing was wearing a grey, long-sleeved, striped shirt, faded blue jeans, a grey cotton jacket and carrying a black adidas backpack, Mr Miller said.

Police wanted to hear from anyone who saw the incident or was in the area between 5.30am and 6.15am.

The incident is the second tragedy to hit RNZ in as many months - last month, production secretary Carol Louise Davidson, 63, and her new husband, Christopher Mark Bishop, 58, were killed when they lost control of their motorbike while on honeymoon in Nepal.