A Tauranga man has this morning been charged after a stabbing in the Kaimai Ranges yesterday.
The 32-year-old man is expected to appear in Tauranga District Court today.
A well-known Tauriko family was reeling after the alleged stabbing of a 41-year-old member at the family property in Belk Rd.
The family's father told the Bay of Plenty Times last night his injured son was awake and talking in Waikato Hospital.
Tauranga police said they received a report of a serious assault at Belk Rd at 4.40am yesterday.
The man underwent surgery at Tauranga Hospital before being transferred to Waikato Hospital, where he was initially described as being in a critical condition.
Last night, the man was stable in intensive care.
Environmental Science and Research (ESR) staff were called to examine the scene yesterday.
Police tape cordoned off some of the Belk Rd property and ESR staff in boiler suits marked evidence. Police have not yet named the victim.
Neighbours, who asked not to be named, were united in their praise of the family.
"I looked over this morning, saw the tape and the police and thought, 'Oh hell'," one neighbour said. The family had lived in the area for many years, long enough for the children to have taken the bus to school when they were younger.
Another neighbour agreed they were nice people.
"They are a very good family. Long-time residents and well-known in the area. I am shocked."
Everyone spoken to felt for the family and the sad circumstances the family had found itself in.
The father was in Napier on Saturday following his sporting passion when told about his son. He had rushed to Waikato Hospital to be at his son's bedside.
- John Cousins of the Bay of Plenty Times
