Huntly Police are appealing for information from the public in relation to how a man came to be fighting for his life in Waikato Hospital.
Detective Dale Anderson said a man has already been arrested following the incident which happened outside a fundraising event at the Taniwharau Rugby League Club on Huntly's Harris St about 11.30pm Saturday.
"We understand our 35-year-old victim was felled with a punch to the face resulting in him smashing the back of his head on the roadway.
"The victim is a local man who is currently in a critical condition in Waikato Hospital's Intensive Care Unit."
Mr Anderson said 15-20 people were in the vicinity of the attack when it took place.
"The arrested man has been charged with assault and more serious charges are pending. These charges will be determined by the outcome of the victim's injuries.
"We particularly want to hear from anyone who witnessed the punch being thrown and the circumstance leading up to the incident," he said.
Anyone with any information on Saturday night's assault is asked to contact Mr Anderson at the Huntly Police Station on 07 8287560.
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