A man has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal stabbing in Kaitaia.
Police said a 29-year-old man suffered multiple stab wounds and despite receiving medical attention at the scene and at hospital, he died overnight Saturday.
The incident is believed to have happened about 2.20am on Saturday in Pukepoto Rd, Kaitaia.
A 30-year-old man appeared in Kaitaia District Court on Saturday morning and has been charged with murder. Police would not comment further as the matter was before the courts.
It is the second knife attack in the town in less than a week. On Tuesday a 22-year-old man was airlifted to Whangarei Hospital in a serious condition after he was stabbed in Matthews Ave.
Police said last week early inquiries had revealed a male offender was reportedly attempting to break into a vehicle in the Kaitaia township when members of the public intervened.
The man left the scene and went to Matthews Ave where it is believed he ran through a number of properties and knocked on doors.
The 22-year-old stabbing victim had then approached the offender and an altercation took place. Last week police released an image of a person they believed would be able to help with their inquiries.
Saturday's fatal stabbing is the second death in Kaitaia that has led to murder charges in seven months. Lester Pairama, 17, Christopher Mana Manuel, 36, Juanita Rafael Wilcox, 26, and Joseph Martin, 41, all of Moerewa, are jointly charged with the murder of Lee Rata.
Mr Rata was badly beaten in Bonnett Rd, Kaitaia, on New Year's Eve while a wedding party was taking place at a nearby home.
He was found by a passer-by, who called emergency services, but died the following day in Whangarei Hospital.
The four have been remanded in custody until their trial next February.