A Kiwi Indian taxi driver was assaulted and robbed by five armed men earlier on Sunday morning, September 20 in Hastings. 

The identity of the man is not being released at the moment as police are investigating the case. 

The taxi driver in his 40s from Hastings Taxi Services was robbed and assaulted just after 1 a.m. on Sunday on Brookvale Road, Havelock North, Hastings and receive moderate injuries to his teeth, jaws, and nose and was hospitalised. 

The Indian Weekender has learnt from a reliable source in Hastings that the assaulted taxi driver underwent surgery this afternoon as a result of the serious injuries to his face. 

The offenders took a tablet from the vehicle, which was later located at the intersection of Te Mata Road and Simla Avenue.

Police are seeking help from the public to assist in the investigation and locate the offenders. 

“Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around 1 is, or has any other information that may help, is asked to contact Police on 105 and quote file number 200920/7645,” police appealed. 

New Zealand Taxi Federation executive director John hart told NZ Herald the "cowardly attack" on a lone taxi driver highlights the importance of having functioning cameras for all small passenger vehicles.

More to come.