A 70-year-old man was treated for facial injuries after he was attacked on a central Whangarei city street while on his way to work.
Whangarei police Detective Sergeant Chris Rumens said the man was assaulted while walking on Rust Ave about 3.52am yesterday.
Two males allegedly assaulted the man and stole his backpack before they fled.
Mr Rumens said a member of the public called police and ambulance officers to the scene.
The man was taken to hospital where he has been treated for facial injuries. Police found one of the offenders and recovered the man's backpack.
A 19-year-old Whangarei man has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery.
Police are still looking for the second male.