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A taxi driver was seriously assaulted in Palmerston North early on Saturday morning.
Police said they were called to The Square in Palmerston North around 2am, after reports of an assault.
Members of the public came to the taxi driver's assistance, police said.
"Police would like to commend the members of the public who went to the victim's aid," they said in a statement.
The driver received medical attention and will require surgery.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested over the incident and will appear in court next week. He has been charged with assault with intent to injure, injuring with intent to injure and assaulting police.
Police said they would like to hear from any witnesses who had not yet spoken to them.
Information can be reported to police on 105 or online via https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using 'Update Report' and referencing file number 240302/0616, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
