A 58-year-old Christchurch dental assistant has appeared in court this morning charged with attempted murder.
Virginia Maria Beerens is accused of stabbing a man at a Picton Ave house in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton around 1pm yesterday.
The man was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Fire and Emergency NZ were also called to the house after a minor fire.
Beerens, who appeared from custody at Christchurch District Court this morning, is also charged with intentionally damaging the man's bed and personal belongings by setting fire to them.