Investigation launched into Taihape triple stabbing

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An investigation has been launched into a triple stabbing in Taihape yesterday.

Emergency services were called after a man arrived at the Taihape Medical Centre suffering stab wounds, about 2.30pm, Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong said.

"We believe a group of people have been at an address and a dispute has broken out amongst them which resulted in three people being stabbed."

The three men, two in their mid-30s and one in his mid-50s, were all transported to hospital to receive treatment for their injuries.

One man was flown to Palmerston North Hospital in a serious condition.

Another was taken by ambulance to the Whanganui Hospital and was in a critical condition.

The third man was also taken to Whanganui Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Mr Forlong said.

"We are making inquiries with witnesses and working to piece together the sequence of events that led up to the stabbings.

"Police want to hear from anyone who may have any information about this incident and we encourage them to make contact."

Police were also interested in identifying and finding a Taihape man who was believed to have been at the scene when the stabbings took place.

He was described as being in his mid-20s, of Polynesian descent, and solidly built.

"Police staff from Ruapehu, Wanganui, and Palmerston North are working on the investigation," Mr Forlong said.

The scene had been cordoned off since yesterday afternoon and police forensic experts along with ESR staff would conduct a scene examination today.