A group of seven men stood around and chatted while their friend brutally raped a young woman in central Wellington early on Sunday morning.
The 20-year-old woman was walking down Courtenay Place past a group of Polynesian men about 5am on Sunday when one of the group spoke
to her.
He then followed her into Tory Street, led her across the road into the Mitre 10 carpark and raped her.
The woman suffered horrific injuries in the attack, with the doctor who examined her saying they were some of the most "brutal" she had seen.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Perry said the victim told police that while she was being raped the offender spoke to his friends, who had followed him into the Mitre 10 carpark.
She says they spoke to each other in a Pacific Island language and stood in the carpark area and looked down the alley while she was being raped.
Mr Perry said the men had not participated in the attack but by protecting the rapist they were prolonging the victim's trauma and recovery.
"They know who the offender is. The Wellington Pacific community can easily solve this brutal rape and the Wellington police are working with them to do that.
"In previous serious crime enquiries the PI community has displayed their willingness to assist in these investigations and we urge them to encourage these seven men to come forward."
Mr Perry said those who came forward would be treated as witnesses.
Police are also trawling through closed circuit security camera footage in an effort to identify the group.
The woman said she heard them talking about rugby practice and police were trying to establish what team they were talking about.
The group could also just be associated with, rather than playing for the team that was being discussed, Mr Perry said.
Police were making inquiries with rugby clubs.
He urged anyone with information to call the Wellington CIB on 04 496 3454.
The woman was wearing a multi-coloured dress and a black shawl, while the offender was described as Polynesian, in his early 20s, about 180cm tall and of solid build.
He had short frizzy hair and was wearing jeans and a long-sleeve top, which could be white.
- NZPA
