Two teenagers have been charged with the attempted murder of a police officer near Taihape.
Senior Constable Bruce Mellor was attacked with a machete just over a week ago.
The new charges replace assault charges laid against the pair.
The 18-year-old and 14-year-old will appear in court in Whanganui on Wednesday.
Both are also charged with the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and the attempted arson of a vehicle.
The attack on Mr Mellor, who was hospitalised with serious head injuries, led to a public debate about whether police officers should be armed. Police Minister Judith Collins subsequently said officers were likely to have greater access to firearms.
