Two large parties organised to welcome in the new year turned ugly when members from each confronted one another in Maple Close, Medowie, according to police.

Following a verbal exchange a number of women began slapping one male from the opposing group and the brawling escalatwed.

One man, who was the subject of most of the assaults was then attacked with a knife, sustaining puncture wounds to his abdomen and back as well as a slash on his ribs.

Another man grabbed the victim's head and threw him to the ground while he bled, police say.

Police have since charged two Medowie women aged 34 and 40 with affray.

As well, a 22-year-old male has been charged with wounding with attempt to cause grievous bodily harm. Both women will face Raymond Terrace Local Court on February 8 and the man will face Newcastle Local Court on March 17.

In another incident a woman attacked her husband with a high-heeled shoe while he was driving at 100km/h along the Pacific Highway just north of Raymond Terrace on Sunday.

There were four young children on board when the attack took place, leaving the man with a severe head wound.

The victim bled profusely as he managed to bring the vehicle to a stop on the side of the road.

He left the car and began stumbling along the road.

An alert was raised by other motorists who feared he would fall into the path of oncoming vehicles.

The victim was taken by ambulance to the Mater Hospital and his wife subsequently appeared in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday.

She was given a six-month good behaviour bond and no conviction was recorded.