Sergeant Simon Tate remains in the care of Auckland City Hospital today after being subjected to a brutal attack on Saturday night in Otara.
He will receive surgery this week, after which Police hope to know more about the extent of his injuries.
Detective Inspector Jim Gallagher says Sergeant Tate is receiving the best possible treatment from Auckland and Middlemore Hospitals.
"He has made improvements over the last 24 hours and is now responsive. Whilst it is very early days, the hope is that Sergeant Tate will be able to make a full recovery and ultimately return to Police duties.
"The welfare of our staff is important to us and we are working to support Sergeant Tate's colleagues and all staff in our District. Police should not be subject to any kind of physical violence while in the role of protecting the community."
Whilst attending a reported disturbance at Manukau Sports Bowl, Sergeant Tate was flagged down by a member of the public and advised of a woman believed to be in danger in a vehicle. He stopped the car in a routine traffic stop in Sandrine Ave, Otara and spoke with the driver, then with the female passenger. The driver then approached Sergeant Tate from behind and struck him repeatedly, resulting in Sergeant Tate being rendered unconscious on the ground where he was subjected to a further prolonged attack.
Alleged attacker Walter Tauatevalu appeared in Manukau District Court this morning charged with attempted murder and two counts of male assaults female. The latter charges relate to the incident which happened immediately prior to Sergeant Tate being flagged down by members of the public. Tauatevalu has been remanded in custody and will appear in the Auckland High Court later this month.
Statement from Constable Lisa Ross, partner of Sergeant Simon Tate:
"Simon is recovering well today, he is able to sit up and communicate with us. We hope that some light may be shed on the extent of his injuries following surgery this week, and then we will have a better idea of the recovery process to expect.
"We would like to thank everyone for their support. Simon has received many messages of support from the public and his Police colleagues.
"While we are still learning more about the extent of Simon's injuries, his family and I request privacy from the media."