Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper says he is shocked at an incident in central Wellington, in which his son was stabbed.

He says 23 year-old Henry was leaving a bar in Courtenay Place early on Friday morning, when he got into an argument with a man he did not know.

The man pulled a knife, and as Henry Soper tried to defend himself, his forearm was slashed.  The attack did damage to an artery, and nerves and tendons in his arm.

Barry Soper said his son has been told he faces a long recovery process after the incident. 

"I was shocked, totally shocked. I can't understand someone coming to town carrying a knife. The guy that did that came with the intention of inflicting harm on somebody - unfortunately it was Henry."

Soper said his son, a "feisty bugger", had only got back from six months in Melbourne the day before and was celebrating with friends. He thought the attack may make him more reserved in the future. The surgeon had told them it would be a long process to get back to normal. In the meantime Henry was being inundated with visits from friends bearing gifts of chocolates and flowers.

"He's got a great sense of humour. He's bearing up as best as he can."

A 37-year-old man has been arrested and is in custody on a wounding charge and due back in Wellington District court tomorrow.

Meanwhile his wife, journalist Heather du Plessis Allan, penned a column on Sunday talking about some of the behind-the-scenes battles that come with a violent act, such as the six months it will take to recover.

"In that six months, Henry will find out if all his fingers will work again, he won't be able to write, and he won't be able to do his job," Ms du Plessis Allan wrote.