Police have suspended their search for a man on Great Barrier Island following a serious assault that has left a man in hospital and a woman missing.
The man is alleged to have assaulted another man at the township of Claris overnight on Thursday.
Community leader Paul Downie says the 19-year-old woman lives on the island and locals believe she has been kidnapped by the man, who is not a resident.
However, police are not saying whether they believe the woman has been abducted.
Police have yet to interview the injured man, who is in stable condition at Auckland Hospital.
Residents on Great Barrier are advised to lock their houses and cars.
The search for the man will resume at first light on Saturday.
