Police are investigating after a man was shot in the head by a crossbow in south Wairarapa yesterday.

Police says three men - two aged 18 and a 23-year-old - was confronted by a man who fired a crossbow striking one of the men in the head after a confrontation at a remote address at Kahutara near Lake Ferry.

The arrow penetrated the skull of a 23-year-old man who received immediate treatment for his injuries at Masterton Hospital.

The victim is currently in Wellington Hospital ICU where he is in a serious but stable condition.

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Police said they had spoken to several witnesses and conducted a number of scene examinations.

A crossbow was recovered during one of those searches.

All four men were known to each other.

The assault is not gang-related and police were confident there was no risk to the public.

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A 21-year-old man is facing an assault charge while the full circumstances of the event are investigated.

He was due to appear in the Masterton District Court today.

Police were not seeking anyone else in relation to their investigation.

"I am very comfortable that we have spoken to all of the primary witnesses and that there is no risk to the public now or in the future from this group," said Detective Senior Sergeant Bysouth.

The victim and his family have been referred to Victim Support.