Queenstown assault: Police search for victim after late-night attack at taxi rank

Police want the victim of a late-night attack at a Queenstown taxi rank to come forward. Photo / George Heard

Police are seeking a man who was punched in a “seemingly unprovoked assault” at a Queenstown taxi rank.

The assault happened at a taxi rank near Searle Lane and Camp St about 2.40am on May 25 in central Queenstown.

A police spokesperson said the victim was looking at his phone and walking in the direction of the Cookie Time shop when he was punched by one of three men who had left a bar on Searle Lane.

A member of the public briefly spoke to the victim, handing back his beanie, which had fallen off during the assault.

Detective Lisa Watt said police discovered the incident while investigating an assault moments before in a Searle Lane bar.

“The alleged offender for the first incident has been arrested, but we would like to speak with the victim of the assault that happened on the footpath near the Cookie Time shop, the passerby, or any other witnesses.

“The victim is described to have a black beard, and was wearing a black puffer jacket, blue jeans, white shoes and black beanie.

“If that was you, please contact us so we can understand what happened and hold the person responsible to account.”

Those with information that may assist can contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “update report”, or call 105 using reference number: 250527/7943.

Jaime Lyth is a multimedia journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on crime and breaking news. Lyth began working under the NZ Herald masthead in 2021 as a reporter for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei.