When the woman's husband heard her screams and ran to her aid, the offender assaulted him until the husband lost consciousness.
The offender then stole their Toyota Vitz.
Neighbours of the couple told the Herald they were disturbed by the incident.
"It's quite busy around here at that time and for someone to be attacked in their driveway for their car is a wake-up call for you," said one man, who was too scared to be named.
"They are really lovely people, really friendly, church-going people. It's shaken up people around here."
An employee at a nearby petrol station, also too afraid to be named, said police had been in to take CCTV footage from Saturday night.
"They [the victims] come here to get their petrol and they are always very happy," he said.
Another neighbour said there were concerns in the community about a poorly lit walkway that ran beside the couple's house, as well as young people drinking in a nearby parking lot.
Glen Innes police sergeant Grant Harris said the offender was still at large yesterday after fleeing the scene in a brown 2004 Toyota Vitz.
The victims were admitted to Auckland Hospital with several injuries, and it was suspected both had broken jaws, the police said.
A hospital spokesperson said they were treated and discharged.
Police have described the offender as clean-shaven with short black hair, wearing a black baseball cap on backwards, black trousers and a singlet.
•Police have asked anyone with information to call 111, (09) 571 2800, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
