For Hastings mother, Lisa Kairau, knowing there has been an arrest in the assault of her 14-year-old son, puts her mind at ease.
Ayden Kairau was left bloodied and beaten at a Flaxmere Park in the early hours of the morning, last month.
"A 14-year-old boy appeared in the Hastings District Youth Court on Monday on charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and theft, in relation to an assault on a 14-year-old victim," Detective Constable Steve Leonard said.
The incident happened in Ron Giorgi Park off Scott Drive in Flaxmere at about 2.15am on Sunday, October 15.
Now home, and back at school most days, the Year 9 student is doing "a lot better than he was" - despite headaches and memory loss. He is expected to heal as time goes on.