Public safety concerns grow after Pakuranga Night Market stabbing

Ethnic communities have expressed concern about safety at public gatherings in Auckland after two people were stabbed at Pakuranga Night Market last weekend.

Looking ahead to the reopening of the market on Saturday, some vendors and visitors called for increased security measures to be introduced to allay concerns, something the event organiser pledged to rectify.

Others, however, played down the unease, describing the assault as an "isolated incident".

Police were called to Aylesbury Street in Pakuranga about 6.45pm on 21 June after reports of an assault.

A 23-year-old man turned himself in at the Manukau Police Station on Sunday before appearing in Manukau District Court the next day.

Granted interim name suppression, the accused was charged with injuring two victims.

Kenny Goto, owner of Karaage House Suruga, said his food stall was about 20 meters from where the stabbing occurred.

Goto called the incident deeply upsetting.

"I'm quite new to the night market - only about a month," he said. "I've never seen anything like this."

Goto planned to continue operating his stall at four night markets in Auckland, noting that he did not own a restaurant or storefront.

However, he called for stronger security measures to be introduced at night markets in Auckland.

"I do have a little bit of concern," he said. "I keep trying to avoid any trouble."

Goto hoped the incident would not have a negative impact on Pakuranga Night Market.

"I've been in New Zealand since 2013," he said. "I feel Auckland is less safe since then. However, I still love the diversity of many immigrants here and love how the night markets allow us to experience food and culture from all over the world.

"I truly hope the night markets will continue to thrive as a vibrant and inclusive space."

Frank Yang, a Pakuranga Heights resident and regular visitor to night markets in Pakuranga and Papatoetoe, said he felt unsettled when he learned of the assault last weekend.

"It shocked me," he said. "It's the first time I've heard of an incident like this happening at a night market. I'm a little worried and uneasy."

Yang said the incident reflected broader safety concerns shared by many Aucklanders.

"Rather than just worrying about security at the night market, I'm more concerned about the safety of the whole society and community in Auckland," he said.

Mia Jiang, an East Auckland resident, was shopping at Pakuranga Night Market when the assault occurred.

She was not overly concerned by the incident, noting that the scene was less dramatic than it appeared to be in a video that had been circulating on social media.

"It wasn't as scary as people made it seem online," she said. "I personally think it was just an isolated incident."

Jiang said the incident hadn't deterred her from visiting night markets in future.

Several other vendors did not expect to see similar incidents occur at night markets in future.

Barney Wikitera-Kuri, a community youth worker and regular visitor to the city's night markets, said incidents such as this could happen at any market, event or public gathering.

While Wikitera-Kuri supported increased security measures, he highlighted a need for deeper community education - particularly among young people - on the consequences of carrying weapons.

The West Auckland resident believed more people needed to understand how to de-escalate tension when tempers flared.

"I don't think it's necessarily the night markets," he said. "I think people need to be taught how to manage anger, how to handle altercations and how to treat each other with respect.

"You can have more security as a ... deterrent," he said. "I agree it can help, but it's obviously a temporary measure.

"My long-term solution would be [to address] how we can address this within our own communities so that hate, violence and escalation doesn't happen - at night markets or anywhere else."

Victoria Yao, founder of the night markets in Auckland, said the markets had been operating for around 15 years.

The markets currently run daily at different locations across the city, offering a diverse mix of food, goods and live entertainment.

She said the assault in Pakuranga was deeply regrettable.

"That was truly something that could have been avoided," Yao said. "We want to just let everybody know, no matter the situation, avoiding conflict ... is always the wisest choice.

"Looking back, it's really heartbreaking," she said. "This kind of incident should never have happened."

Yao said additional security measures would be introduced to ensure the safety of vendors and visitors.

"We already have three security [guards] on site," she said. "We'll add two more."

She said Pakuranga Night Market would reopen as usual this Saturday, expressing confidence the incident would not have an ongoing impact on business.

"The night market remains a safe vibrant space" she said. "Everyone still can come, enjoy your food, have fun and make the most of the evening."

RNZ has asked police whether any additional patrols were being considered to ensure public safety at Pakuranga Night Market.

Police said they were seeking additional footage as part of the investigation into the incident.

"We are aware a number of people filmed the violent assault taking place on Saturday evening," said Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey, investigations manager of Counties Manukau East Area.

"While we are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident, this footage will be beneficial as part of the prosecution phase."

Victims of the assault underwent surgery on Monday, with both remaining in a stable condition in Middlemore Hospital.

The 23-year-old man charged in connection with the incident has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court next month.