A man has suffered a concussion after trying to stop a wild brawl on New Year's morning that involved 20 to 30 people in a hotel carpark in Māhia.
Detective Sergeant Stephen Smith said police are investigating the brawl, which began at about 12:40am in the small town of Māhia, about an hour and 10 minutes south of Gisborne.
Det Sgt Smith said a 34-year-old man was knocked unconscious, suffering a concussion and facial injuries, after he tried to break up the altercation between an unknown group of people.
The 34-year-old was taken to hospital but has since been discharged.
"This should have been a night of celebration and sadly hasn't turned out that way," Det Sgt Smith said.
Smith confirmed the brawl involved between 20 to 30 people in the carpark of a Newcastle Street hotel and it was likely witnessed by a number of people.
Detectives from Wairoa and Gisborne are investigating and would like to hear from anyone with information or footage.
"This can be provided by calling 105, or by making a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, using Update Report. Please quote the file number 240101/2665. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."
