The man was part of a group walking in Stuart St near the intersection with Kaikorai Valley Rd and Taieri Rd about 5.30am yesterday, when another group approached them and a fight started, investigating officer Detective Sergeant John Hedges said.
The victim was alleged to have been stabbed in the chest, the arm and the neck, by a member of the second group.
He was taken to Dunedin Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later released.
Tests revealed the knife struck a bone in his chest, preventing more serious injuries.
Police spoke to people from both groups yesterday, but it was unclear if the groups were known to one another.
Members of the offending group were understood to be prospects for the Mongrel Mob Aotearoa gang, but the incident was not believed to be gang-related, Det Sgt Hedges said.
Police expected to make an arrest soon, he said.
He asked anyone who heard or saw the fight, or people in the area early yesterday to contact police.
