A Wanaka father spent his anniversary in a critical condition in Dunedin Hospital after he received numerous head injuries in an early morning assault.
Kahu Vincent, aged in his late 20s, was left with extensive head injuries after he was assaulted at the Night 'n Day store in Ardmore St, Wanaka, just after 3am on Saturday. He was flown to Dunedin Hospital by helicopter and remained in a critical condition yesterday.
Two men, aged 34 and 39, were charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident and will appear in Queenstown District Court today.
Mr Vincent's father, Hemi Vincent, said family members, including Kahu's partner and two young children, spent yesterday by his side at Dunedin Hospital.
They remained ''positive'' because of the ''amazing'' level of support they had received from friends and family and were ''very hopeful'' he would make a recovery.
Kahu was stable yesterday evening, he said.
He confirmed yesterday was the 10th anniversary of Kahu and his partner being together.
Hemi thanked friends and family on his Facebook page, saying: ''Thank you all for sending your love and well wishes it means so much to Kahu [his partner] and the whole whanau.''
Detective Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis, of Southern District police, said they were continuing to investigate the incident and whether to lay further charges.
The motive for the assault, which left the victim with extensive head injuries, was not known, Det Snr Sgt Croudis said''He is surrounded by family ... and he is getting the best care he can get.''
The Night 'n Day remained closed yesterday afternoon as police investigated.
A Givealittle web page was set up by family friend Jessie Scholz yesterday to help Kahu's family. As of yesterday evening more than $6000 had been raised. Ms Scholz said on the page ''any contribution would help''.
''In the early hours of Saturday morning our dear friend Kahu was seriously assaulted and remains in intensive care in critical condition in Dunedin hospital.
''His family including his two beautiful babies and partner are by his side hoping and praying for the best,'' she said on the page.
