Bashed pensioner overwhelmed by support

The Kawerau woman brutally bashed in her home just before New Year's Eve has been overwhelmed by support from her community.

The 71-year-old suffered severe facial injuries when an intruder barged into her home after she opened her front door in the early hours of December 29. Her car was stolen in the attack but was later recovered.

Described as remarkable by police, the woman is scheduled for surgery in Waikato Hospital in the next week or so. According to a spokesperson for the woman, she needs to have titanium plates inserted into both eye sockets. She also required medical attention for a split left ear, a shattered tooth socket and a fractured jaw.

She has been the recipient of home baking, and offers to mow her lawns and do her garden have flooded in, with many more people asking what they could do to help.

With that in mind, the Whakatane News approached Whakatane Bunnings Warehouse after hearing about a digital door viewer. The viewer is disguised as a peephole but allows the person inside a sweeping view of what's outside the door. Connected to the attached doorbell, the viewer also takes a photo once the doorbell is activated.

Bunnings is donating a viewer and having it installed. It was also prepared to donate a new front door if the home's door was not suitable for the viewer.

While police are still looking for the offender, many people within the mill town have taken to social media sites to vent their frustration over the incident.