Whangārei police are searching for a motorist who helped drive an assault victim in the early hours of today.

They said the driver, thought to be a member of the public, had given a lift to the victim of an assault in Onerahi.

Detective Sergeant Pieter Serfontein confirmed the motorist was not being sought over the offending, but their information could help progress police inquiries.

“Sometime between 4am and 4.45am, the assault victim has been picked up in the Onerahi area by a member of the public,” Serfontein said.

“Our inquiries are still in the very early stages, but we know that the motorist drove the victim to a property in Raumanga before carrying on,” he said.

Serfontein said the man who was picked up had several facial injuries.

“I’m confident [the driver] will remember this trip,” he said.

Police said they were notified of the assault by ambulance staff after they were called to the Raumanga property.

“What we don’t know is where the victim was picked up in Onerahi and at what specific time,” Serfontein said.

“I’m asking this person to come forward as information they may hold could help us.”

The victim has received treatment at Whangārei Hospital today and is in a stable condition.

“Detectives will speak further with the victim, but we would also like to hear from anyone in the Onerahi area that might have witnessed any fighting in the area early this morning,” Serfontein said.

Police asked anyone with information to update police online or call 105 using the reference number 260128/8749.