UPDATED 2:38pm: A man in his 20s is now in a stable condition after being stabbed at Muriwai west of Auckland early this morning.

Emergency services were called to Motutara Road about 3.30, where a man had suffered a deep stab wound to his neck.

He was taken to Auckland City Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Police were looking for a man -- who initially left the scene.

They say a man has now been taken into custody and is being spoken to in relation to the stabbing.

He will likely appear in the Waitakere District Court on Monday charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.