KEY POINTS:
A 26-year-old man who was stabbed 12 times in his face, back and stomach during an attack at Orewa Beach may lose an eye.
Police became aware of the stabbing when the man, bleeding heavily, walked into the Orewa police station at 1.40am on Saturday with a witness to the attack.
The witness told police the victim had been talking to two people on the foreshore - just 50m from the police station - before he was stabbed.
One was described as a man in his mid-20s to mid-30s with long, untidy dreadlocks and wearing jeans but no top.
The other attacker was described as a solidly-built woman in her early 20s, with long, black hair.
The couple were seen leaving the area in a black stationwagon, similar to a Mitsubishi Libero.
Police spokesman Kevin Loughlin said the victim was taken to Green Lane Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Doctors do not know yet whether the man will lose sight in the damaged eye. he remains in a stable condition.
"This was a vicious and unprovoked attack," said Mr Loughlin.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Kevin Blackman at Orewa on (09) 426 4555.