Napier City Councillor for the Nelson Park ward, Maxine Boag, said there was "shock and horror" in the community at the incident.
"You'd think it's the safest place you could be - in the sanctity of your own home."
She said she hadn't really heard of such things happening in Napier and didn't think it was a common occurrence.
Boag worried the incident would make people feel less secure, particularly those who were older or more vulnerable.
"It's going to really upset a lot of people."
She said she had "every confidence" that the people responsible would be caught by the authorities.
Police on Sunday afternoon appealed for information about the assault, saying they would like to hear from residents and anyone else who was in the general area of Nelson Park and Kennedy Rd prior to and around this time, and may have noticed anything untoward.
Anyone who has any information is asked to contact police on 105 quoting job number P046918973.
Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
