Three arrested after alleged assault on Ruapehu mayor and wife in Raetihi

Police have arrested three people in relation to the serious assault of Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron and his wife Phyl in Raetihi.

The Camerons were leaving the historic Raetihi Theatre on Tuesday night when they noticed a group of three people allegedly making off with props intended for an upcoming production.

After approaching them and asking that they return the items they were allegedly attacked, leaving both of them with cuts and bruises.

The mayor said that both he and his wife, although shaken and upset by the attack, will both make a full recovery and he hopes to be back at work tomorrow.

"This was a completely isolated incident and in no way related to my role as mayor," he said.

The Raetihi community has rallied around the couple, who said the incident "in no way reflects the great little town that it is."

"People have been especially upset that my wife is involved as she has been incredibly active in working for the community including its youth," Don Cameron said.

He said that he didn't want the incident to set back all the fantastic work council and others were doing for Raetihi youth and the wider township.

"It is really important that we keep things in perspective and don't allow this incident to derail the progress being made in building connections with the Raetihi
community," Cameron said.

"The police are dealing with the issue."

Police said a 19-year-old male has been charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, a 25-year-old female has been charged with aggravated assault and burglary, and a 21-year-old female has been charged with aggravated assault.

Police said inquiries into the incident are continuing.