Woman stabbed, shots fired at 21st birthday party

NAPIER: A 20yearold woman has suffered critical injuries after being stabbed at a Hawke’s Bay marae that hosted a 21st birthday party on Saturday night.

Two men were also hospitalised with injuries after the skirmish at the private event.

Detective Sergeant John McCarthy said police were called to the address about 10pm after a fight broke out and several shots were reportedly fired.

Police said noone was injured by these shots.

The woman was taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital with stab wounds in a critical condition, Det Sgt McCarthy said.

‘‘She is now in a serious but stable condition.’’

Two men were also taken to hospital following the incident, he said.

‘‘Police are speaking to witnesses and have completed a scene examination.’’

Those involved were believed to be known to each other and police said they were ‘‘following positive lines of inquiry’’.

A local, who did not wish to be named, said Moteo Pa Rd, Swamp Rd and parts of Omaranui Rd were cordoned off by armed police on Saturday night.

She first noticed the flashing lights of a passing ambulance but was brought to a halt at the end of Vicarage Rd by the cordon on Saturday night.

‘‘There were around 11 police cars that I could see,’’ she said.

There was a large police presence and they were all heavily armed, she said.

‘‘Every single police officer I saw was well armed, with protective vests and a full, long rifle.’’

She said she had to turn her car around because ‘‘I didn’t have anywhere to go’’.

Luckily the doors were open at a nearby pub, she said.

‘‘I had my daughter in the car with me. We left the Puketapu pub because they were closing the doors and I didn’t want to put them out any longer.’’

Returning to the cordon was distressing for her daughter who ‘‘wanted to go into town where she was safe’’, the woman said.

They saw a small undamaged hatchback on the back of a tow truck being taken from the scene. About six cars went through when the cordon was lifted about 1am.

Hamuera Moteo marae secretary Annette Purves confirmed a 21st birthday party was held at Moteo marae on the night and said they were still finding out details of what had happened.

Police said the armed offenders squad did not attend but there was a scene guard in place overnight. — NZME