An unemployed 50-year-old man has appeared in court after an alleged stabbing in Palmerston North.

Police arrested Evan Mark Kendall, of Feilding, after they were called to a domestic disturbance at a Lydia Pl house in Kelvin Grove about 6pm on Sunday.

A woman at the house was allegedly stabbed three times, and was taken to Palmerston North Hospital with serious injuries.

Police confirmed she was in a stable condition in intensive care this afternoon.

Police Area Commander Inspector Pat Handcock told the Manawatu Standard that the victim sought refuge at a neighbour's home before being taken to hospital.

Kendall entered no plea to a charge of attempted murder and was remanded in custody until September 18 when he appeared in the Palmerston North District Court today.

"It may be that an application can be made that day to bring matters to a conclusion," defence lawyer Fergus Steedman said.

Kendall had completed a legal aid application and Mr Steedman would likely be appointed to act for him.

He said Kendall had been seen by a forensic health nurse and there were no problems there.

Police withdrew a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

- © Fairfax NZ News