A teenager has pleaded guilty to attempted murder over a machete attack on a Taihape policeman last year.
His co-accused is still to face trial.
Constable Bruce Mellor was attacked when he stopped a stolen car near Taihape early on 11 December last year.
The 57-year-old suffered multiple skull and facial fractures, cuts and lost part of his hand.
Japhet Joseph Simiona, 18, of Fielding made his surprise guilty plea at the Whanganui Youth Court on Thursday.
He was dealt with in the Youth Court because he was jointly accused of attempted murder along with a 14-year-old.
Simiona will be sentenced in the High Court on 5 April.
His alleged accomplice, who is too young to be named, will reappear a week later once forensic tests are completed.
Neither has admitted charges of stealing a car and trying to burn it.
