Shots fired, woman stabbed at marae hosting a 21st birthday party

The scene was peaceful at Moteo Marae near Napier today, in contrast to a party on the marae property last night where a woman was stabbed. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

A 20-year-old woman has suffered critical injuries after being stabbed at a Hawke's Bay marae that hosted a 21st birthday party on Saturday night.

Two men were also hospitalised with injuries after the skirmish at the private event.

Detective Sergeant John McCarthy said police were called to the address about 10pm after a fight broke out and a number of shots were reportedly fired.

Police say no one was injured by these shots.

A police spokeswoman confirmed gunshots were fired before they were called to the outskirts of Puketapu last night. Image / Google

The woman was taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital with stab wounds in a critical condition, McCarthy said.

"She is now in a serious but stable condition."

Two men were also taken to hospital following the incident, he said.

"Police are speaking to witnesses and have completed a scene examination."

Those involved were believed to be known to each other and police were "following positive lines of inquiry".

A local, who did not wish to be named, told the Herald Moteo Pa Rd, Swamp Rd and parts of Omaranui Rd were cordoned off by armed police on Saturday night.

She first noticed the flashing lights of a passing ambulance but was brought to a halt at the end of Vicarage Rd by the cordon late last night.

"There were around 11 police cars that I could see," she said.

There was a large police presence and they were all heavily armed, she said.

"Every single police officer I saw was well armed, with protective vests and a full long rifle."

She said she had to turn her car around.

"I didn't have anywhere to go."

Luckily the doors were open at a nearby pub, she said.

"I had my daughter in the car with me. We left the Puketapu pub because they were closing the doors and I didn't want to put them out any longer."

Returning to the cordon was distressing for her daughter, she said.

"She didn't want to sit there and wait. She wanted to go into town where she was safe."

They saw a small undamaged hatchback on the back of a tow truck being taken away from the scene, she said.

About six cars went through when the cordon was lifted about 1am, she said.

She said she had not seen anything like it in the area before, as with the exception of the odd party it was "usually pretty quiet out here".

Moteo Marae near Napier where a 21st party was held on Saturday night. A woman was stabbed and shots were fired after altercations at the party. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

Hamuera Moteo marae secretary Annette Purves confirmed a 21st birthday party was held at Moteo marae last night and said they were still finding out details of what had happened.

Police say the Armed Offenders Squad did not attend the incident but there was a scene guard in place overnight.

Anyone who was at the party and has not yet spoken to police was urged to contact Detective Sergeant John McCarthy on (06) 873 0561.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.