Spade bashing leaves alleged attacker seriously ill

A man is critically ill after being hit on the head with a spade while he was allegedly assaulting a woman.

Senior Sergeant Gordon Gunn said police were called to a Grigg Street address in Kaitaia shortly after 8pm on Tuesday, after reports of a fight between a man and several women.

The group had apparently been drinking together before a violent argument erupted.

It was alleged the man had been assaulting the women before one of them struck him repeatedly around the head and upper body with a spade.

One 42-year-old woman was subsequently admitted to Kaitaia Hospital with facial injuries, including fractures and bruising.

Police want to speak to a second woman, who was reported to have been injured.

When police arrived, the 39-year-old man was "un-cooperative" and was subsequently arrested.

But after being taken to the Kaitaia Police Station, his condition deteriorated and medical assistance was sought.

He was admitted to Kaitaia Hospital and eventually transferred to Auckland Hospital for emergency surgery.

Mr Gunn said it was not known at this stage if he would survive.

An 18-year-old Kaitaia woman has been arrested and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

She was to appear in Kaitaia District Court today.

Environmental Science and Research was travelling to Kaitaia to examine the house, which has been cordoned off by police.

- NZPA