"Thank you to the police for their excellent work," she said. "Our focus continues to be on recuperation and we are heartened by the positive progress. We are excited that we will all be together this weekend to celebrate Bene's 5th birthday."
Ms Knight and her husband Peter Thomas also had a message for family, friends and the community.
"Our thanks to everyone for the outpouring of support."
Police would not comment on the case until after Hauwai was sentenced.
A police source said the investigation team were pleased that Hauwai pleaded guilty early. He said the quick resolution of the case meant the victims could focus on their recovery and wellbeing rather than a court case with ongoing hearings and having to give evidence at a trial.
Mr Thomas has been posting daily updates on Facebook for family and friends about his wife's recovery. He said that she was progressing quickly, though rehab was hard work.
He said at the rate she is going, she will be back home permanently sooner than expected.
Ms Knight was a regular on social media before the assault, and returned to Twitter briefly on Tuesday to post a message to her followers.
"Thank u amazing Twitter peeps. Love u lots, so lucky I'm getting better, have had so many lovely msgs from u," she wrote.
She also spoke with friends, who were thrilled to hear from her.
"Lovely Lucy has been in touch today. She's on phone rations but is sounding bright, funny, positive - and best of all, totally Lucy-like," Lorna Subritzky updated members of a Help Lucy Facebook page.
"Best possible start to my day, and no doubt everyone who is a friend of this page. She's wanting to thank everyone, but I assured her that her recovery is all the thanks we need."
Husband Peter Thomas reports on Good Samaritan's progress
Monday, October 13
Lucy is now into her second full week of rehab therapy. It sounds like it is really hard work, but if it results in the same progress that she made in her first week then that will be superb.
Tuesday, October 14
We had a good meeting with Lucy, family reps and the rehab team. We then had another visit to the rehab clinic this evening with Phoebe, Rowan and Oscar. Really good progress continues. Lucy has an overnight visit home planned, plus, if all goes well, she should be back home for good soon. She is amazed at all the wonderful support and looks forward to getting to say thanks.
Wednesday, October 15
Three weeks and one day since the incident. There are lots of things to ponder ... The speed that Lucy is making toward her recovery is really amazing. Seeing her in her hospital bed was scary and shocking. The improvement since then is incredible. We are so lucky. The love, support and generosity of family, friends and our communities, near and far, is a beautiful thing. We are so humbled and grateful. It makes me very emotional when I read messages and talk to people. I have taken to hiding behind sunglasses to hide my eyes. Tissues are in short supply. The wonderful public health system and other support agencies in New Zealand should not be taken for granted. How amazing our kids are! They have been so brave and helpful and lovely. I am proud of them all. But what you really want to know is that Lucy went shopping today and will be cooking lunch for her rehab house tomorrow. Max and Bene and I visited Lucy after school today for a short time. She was very tired after a busy day. She made a short foray back into social media today, too.
Thursday, October 16
Thank you Lucy for a yummy hamburger today. I was invited for the lunch which Lucy made for the other rehab dwellers. Good job all. Phoebe, Rowan, Oscar and I went present shopping for Bene who will be 5 on Saturday and then we visited Lucy after her dinner. We are all looking forward to a longer visit home this weekend.
