This financial year, 852 people have visited hospital emergency departments in Auckland with stabbing injuries. (file photo)

The number of Aucklanders turning up to emergency departments and being hospitalised with stab wounds is increasing.

Figures obtained under the Official Information Act show more than 850 people presented to Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waitematā DHB emergency departments with stab wounds this financial year.

This was up 20 per cent compared with five years ago.

Counties Manukau DHB saw the highest number of stabbing-related hospital visits and admissions – with ED presentation rates for stab wounds rising nearly 30 per cent in five years.

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In 2014/15, 662 people presented to Counties Manukau DHB's emergency departments with stab wounds. In 2017/18, this rose to 845.

This year, 742 people went to ED at CMDHB after being stabbed.

The number of people admitted to hospital with stab wounds also increased, the data show.

STUFF/HANNAH MARTIN Counties Manukau DHB saw the overwhelming majority of stabbing cases in the region, with numbers growing each year. This year, 742 patients visited its ED with stab wounds.

In 2014/15, 71 people were hospitalised with stab wounds at CMDHB, spending 1.5 days in hospital on average. This year, 103 patients were hospitalised, requiring a 2.8 day stay on average.

Other DHBs saw far fewer stabbing injuries.

At Auckland DHB, there were 65 stabbing-related presentations to ED in 2017/18, and 83 in 2018/19. This was up from 50 in 2014/15.

These patients required longer in hospital – staying 5.8 days this year on average.

Waitematā DHB, covering north and west Auckland, fluctuated between 20 and 31 cases per year.

In the past five years, North Shore Hospital admitted 40 patients who had been stabbed, while Waitākere Hospital only admitted one.

New Zealand Police Acting Superintendent Dave Glossop said the rising statistics from DHBs were "definitely concerning".

Peter Meecham/Stuff Acting Superintendent Dave Glossop said while police haven't seen a recent spike in knife crime, these sorts of incidents seem to crop up more over the summer months. (file photo)

He had not seen a recent spike in knife crime, but said it tended to be cyclical in nature.

Typically, the summer months - with longer days, more parties, and more booze - see an increase in "public place" violence, disorder and assault, including stabbings.

Knives were the most common and readily available weapon for many, largely used as weapons of opportunity, he said.

Glossop said the size or type of knife did not determine the damage they could inflict. Little nicks in the wrong place can cause lethal damage, and "any fool can use a knife".

He stressed that carrying a knife, even in self defence, is illegal. It's also "a really silly thing to do".

The prevalence of weapons, including knives, being taken off people and used against them was a "real issue" and a "big concern" among police, he said.

DHB data looked at assaults only, excluding accidental injuries or self-harm events.

WHERE YOU CAN GET HELP:

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.

Women's Refuge (Women and children) - 0800 733 843

Shine (Men and women) - free call 0508-744-633 between 9am and 11pm

1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for mental health support from a trained counsellor.