A woman is in Rotorua Hospital awaiting surgery following a serious assault which led to the offender fleeing police.
He remains on the run.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen said a woman suffered "serious injuries" after a family harm-related incident about 9.30pm last night.
"The victim was taken to hospital last night in a moderate but stable condition and will undergo surgery today."
The male offender, who is known to police, left the scene in a vehicle which police believe to be stolen.