A medieval re-enactment turned from fantasy to a vicious brawl when a club member ripped clumps of hair from a woman's head.

Mihiteruaerewa Rangiataawa, 50, a senior member of the Red Raven Medieval Re-enactment club, admitted in the Palmerston North District Court yesterday that she attacked a woman who was taking photos of the club for its website on May 26.

Screaming at the photographer, she punched the woman in the face, crushed her glasses, then wrestled her before grabbing hold of the tripod and camera.

Rangiataawa then dragged the woman toward the door of the club hall, yelling at her to leave.

Sergeant Murray Lyons said when police arrested Rangiataawa, she told them the women was not the club's approved photographer and as a senior club member it was her obligation to put a stop to it.

Duty solicitor Sushanlhi Angampally said Rangiataawa regretted her actions.

She sent an apology letter to the victim and has since taken anger management classes and was getting counselling, she said.

Rangiataawa is a solo mother on the domestic purposes benefit, with five children and three grandchildren.

She had no previous criminal convictions.

Judge Gregory Ross said her behaviour was inexplicable.

"The woman was entitled to be there. You lost control of yourself."

He fined Rangiataawa $200 to cover police costs in investigating the assault and arresting her.