25 Jun 2023

Albany restaurants worried about lull after axe attack

3:54 pm on 25 June 2023
Police said an attacker went into several businesses on Corinthian Drive in Albany at about 9pm on 19 June and hit customers with a weapon.

Yue's Dumpling Kitchen, and Maya Hotpot and Zhang Liang Malatang were cordoned off after an attack on 19 June. Photo: RNZ/ Jordan Dunn

Fewer people have been eating at restaurants in Albany following an attack on diners by an axe-wielding man at a block of eateries on Monday.

East Coast Bays MP Erica Stanford said local stores were experiencing a lull in business and were concerned for the future.

She called for the community to support stores in the Albany restaurant precinct, to help business bounce back.

At least three people were injured in the seemingly random attack in Corinthian Drive on 19 June.

A man was arrested on the night, and is now in custody charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He has not yet entered a plea.

Stanford said she plans to eat in the area on Sunday night to show her support for the stores.

"You always feel in these situations, a little bit useless," Stanford said.

"I thought well, actually there is one thing I can do and that's spread the message to my community and say actually look this was an isolated incident ... and it is safe to go back, and we support our local businesses."