KEY POINTS:
Two teenagers are in custody after a stabbing at a West Coast high school "after ball" party early today.
Police said that a 18-year-old Greymouth youth was stabbed in the neck during the party which followed the Westland High School annual ball in Hokitika last night.
He was now in Grey Base Hospital with six puncture wounds, and two Hokitika teenagers had been arrested.
"Basically, two guys got in a fight and once it was dispersed one of them was found on the ground severely stabbed with either a knife or a broken bottle," Sergeant Neil Gillespie, of Hokitika police, said.
"It was an after-ball party...with about 100 to 150 people there so it was out of control.
"We're just disappointed that people can't handle their booze.
"I mean now school kids plus alcohol means someone is going to get stabbed."
Mr Gillespie said the two youths in custody faced assault charges, but more serious charges were likely to be laid.
Grey Base Hospital community liaison officer Bryan Jamieson said this morning the victim, whose injuries he described as moderate, was going undergoing surgery.
- NZPA
