Detective Sergeant Mark McCloy said police were called to a Mavora Crescent address overnight after a report of an assault.
"A woman was located at the scene and was transported to hospital with critical injuries."
A scene examination was being conducted today along with Institute of Environmental Science Research, Det Sgt McCloy said.
At midday today, a forensic team was at the property where the incident happened.
A neighbour said they woke up in the morning to find police on the street but didn't know what had happened.
A 51-year-old Invercargill man has been charged with attempted murder.
He appeared before Justice of the Peace Chris Rodgers this morning.
Duty lawyer David Slater told the court that given the nature of the offence he was seeking interim name suppression for the man.
Mr Rodgers granted interim suppression of both the defendant and the alleged victim.
The man was remanded in custody to appear on December 12.
Police would make no further comment as the matter was now before the courts.
- Karen Pasco, PIJF court reporter; additional reporting Ben Tomsett
