A festival goer is in a critical condition in Christchurch Hospital after she was attacked on Saturday night.
Amelia Rayner, 29, was leaving from the Electric Avenue event in Hagley Park with her boyfriend when she was approached by three men.
Ms Rayner's mother, Barbara Rayner says the men took her daughter's hat that she was wearing before she took it back, and suspect her boyfriend then said something to the three men that caused them to attack him.
She says her daughter jumped in to help her boyfriend out but came off second best after suffering a "blow" to the throat by one of the three men that resulted in her trachea being crushed.
Her daughter will now require a metal plate to be installed into her windpipe that will allow her to breathe.
"She had an infection in her chest [this morning] so [the doctors say] they're unable to do an operation today," she says.
"They're just doing physio on her chest to get rid of some liquid that is in her chest."
Christchurch Police are asking for the public's help in relation to the assault.
The incident occurred at the corner of Salisbury St and Park Tce after 11pm and are appealing to the public for witnesses of the incident.
Barbara says she just wants those responsible to hand themselves in.
"It's not fair, this city is far too pretty and lovely for people like you."
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