Local people came to the aid of a police officer in Dannevirke who had his patrol car pelted with bottles at a party earlyon Sunday morning.
The lone officer was outnumbered by about 40 party-goers who had been drinking.
Bystanders came to the aid of the officer and police reinforcements were also sent from Palmerston North.
Tararua District Mayor, Maureen Reynolds has commended the locals for their help.
She says there are not enough police in Dannevirke and in times like that officers need assistance.
The president of Dannevirke's JPs association, Tom Castles, says such incidents are unusual, partly because of a liquor ban in the town's main street.
He says residents would like to see the police station manned 24 hours a day, rather than the after-hours phone link to Palmerston North, which is 40 minutes away.
The police have yet to make any arrests.
