Police in Wellington are investigating an aggravated robbery at a flat in the suburb of Brooklyn on Saturday night.
A man, 44, was asleep when three masked men entered his room, demanded money and attacked him with a baseball bat at about 11.15pm.
They are believed to be Caucasian and in their late teens or early 20s.
Money and electronic equipment were stolen.
The victim has told the police he can think of no reason why anyone would want to attack him.
Police say the victim managed to call for an ambulance, despite suffering a beating which resulted in a broken arm, possible broken ribs and bruising.
The victim is in Wellington Hospital and police say his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
Police say they hope to question him further about the incident when he has recovered from an operation.
