Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
A woman has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a taxi driver in Christchurch.
The driver went to a fast food restaurant on Memorial Avenue at about 10.30pm on Thursday to find help after being stabbed several times.
The restaurant owner said staff administered first aid until emergency services arrived.
Taxi driver in serious condition after stabbing in Christchurch
The driver suffered critical injuries and were taken to hospital, where they remain in a serious but stable condition.
Police arrested a 46-year-old woman in a nearby hotel 15 minutes later.
She has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and is expected to appear in the Christchurch District Court Friday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie said police weren't seeking anyone else, and did not believe there's an ongoing risk to the public.
The Small Passenger Service Association said the taxi driver was likely an independent operator, as he did not belong to one of its member companies.
Executive director Warren Quirke told Midday Report independent taxi operators were at the highest risk of violent attacks, because they didn't have back up to support them during such incidents.
Quirke hoped the man had a camera in his taxi that was in working order and could provide some evidence.
Legislation introduced in 2011 required cameras to be installed in all taxis, following the murders of two taxi drivers in Auckland and Christchurch.
However, the Association wanted to see security cameras in all small passenger vehicles - in a bid to reduce violent attacks.