14 May 2021

Dunedin Countdown supermarket reopens after stabbings

2:33 pm on 14 May 2021

Countdown has thanked the public for support following the stabbings in Dunedin which left two staff critically injured.

Police standing guard outside the Cumberland Street Countdown in Dunedin on Tuesday night after four people were stabbed there in an attack that afternoon.

The store after the stabbing occurred. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The two staff of Countdown Dunedin Central are recovering well in hospital, as are two members of the public who came to their aid during the rampage on Monday afternoon.

The store has now reopened, but will operate under shorter trading hours for the next few days, and security will be present for weeks.

General manager of corporate affairs, safety and sustainability Kiri Hannifin said in a statement: "For safety and peace of mind, we will also continue to have security at the store over the next few weeks.

"We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for our team in Dunedin and across the country. During a very tough week, this has been very deeply appreciated.

"We would ask that customers in our store continue to treat each other with kindness and respect as we all start to get things back to normal."

The shorter trading hours are 8am to 9pm.

A 42-year-old man has been charged with four counts of attempted murder following the stabbings.

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