While information had been sketchy he believed about a dozen people were involved in the confrontation, which happened on the footpath outside the Bledisloe St address.
Police were called about 4am on Saturday and Mr Heath said the incident appeared to involve one group of young people pursuing a "gripe" with another group.
"Both groups were known to each other."
He said it was unknown if there was any gang involvement in the incident.
However, one thing police were sure about was that alcohol had been involved.
The two injured men, both in their early 20s, were with one of the groups involved.
Police were now working to try to establish who was involved and, crucial to the investigation, who was wielding a knife of some description.
It had not been recovered.
Mr Heath asked that anyone with any information about the incident call police on 831 0700 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
