A 62-year-old man has been charged after a person was assaulted with a weapon in a Wairarapa emergency department.
The man faces a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police were called to the ED at 11.40pm on Saturday.
A police spokesperson told Newshub the victim, who is known to the alleged offender, was moderately injuries.
"A weapon has been recovered and enquiries into the incident are ongoing," police said.
The weapon was a machete, according to the NZ Herald, who reported the victim suffered a fractured skull.
Health New Zealand Wairarapa group director of operations Kieran McCann said extra security had been put in place and staff were being supported following the attack.
"Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora Wairarapa appreciates the isolated incident in Wairarapa Hospital's Emergency Department yesterday would have been very upsetting to any witnesses," he said.
"As the event unfolded NZ Police were immediately notified through an alarm system and responded quickly.
"We condemn all actions of violence against patients and staff. An investigation will take place into this incident to determine if there was anything which could have prevented it occurring."
