Two men had to undergo surgery at Wanganui Hospital early yesterday morning after being stabbed at Waiinu Beach north of Wanganui.
The attacks happened at the quiet beachside settlement which is a few kilometres away from Waitotara and about 35km from the city.
The first stabbing happened just before midnight on New Year's Eve and the male victim was later airlifted to Wanganui Hospital.
About an hour later a second man was stabbed and he was taken to the hospital by road.
Acting Detective Sergeant Craig Gorringe, of Whanganui CIB, said neither men had suffered life-threatening injuries.