A Southland man is in a stable condition in Dunedin Hospital after being stabbed eight times at a Guy Fawkes' party.

Police say there were 10 people at the gathering near Kaitangata last night, when a 29 year-old man punched at least one woman after an argument. When the woman's partner stepped in, the offender produced a knife. The men struggled, resulting in the woman's boyfriend being stabbed 7 times in the upper torso and once in the face.

During the fight the offender's girlfriend tried to step in, and was knifed in her right elbow by her partner.

A man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm, and police say further charges are likely. He also received treatment for his injuries and is under guard at Dunedin Hospital.