Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron is back at work after he and his wife were assaulted in Raetihi on Tuesday night.
The pair were attacked when they tried to stop a suspected theft.
They were leaving the historic Raetihi Theatre in Seddon St when they noticed a group of three people making off with props intended for an upcoming production.
They approached the group and asked them to return the items, but instead were set upon.
"Although both myself and Phyl have a few cuts and bruises we are both on the mend and are getting back to normal," said Cameron.
"We would both like to thank the Raetihi and wider Ruapehu community for their calls of love and support and the police for their quick apprehension of the offenders."
"As the matter will now be before the court I can't comment further."
Cameron said the assault had nothing to do with his role as Mayor, and did not reflect on the community.
"Council has been working hard to build connections with the Raetihi community and are mapping out a plan to help with its revitalisation.
"We are not going to allow this isolated incident undertaken by three individuals to derail any of this good work."
