Countdown, Foodstuffs remove knives
from sale following terror attack
Tina Morrison12:31, Sep 04 2021
Countdown and Foodstuffs have removed sharp knives from sale after a man injured six people with a knife in a terror attack at a Countdown store.
The attacker, who was an extremist terror group sympathiser, obtained the knife after entering the Countdown supermarket in New Lynn mall in Auckland on Friday afternoon, and stabbed six people before being shot dead by police.
Countdown’s general manager of safety Kiri Hannifin said the supermarket operator last night made the decision to temporarily remove all knives and scissors from shelves while they considered whether they should continue to sell them.
“This is in no way a reflection on our customers, but an act of support for our team,” she said. “We want all of our team to feel safe when they come to work, especially considering the events of yesterday.”
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Foodstuffs NZ, which owns the New World, Pak’n Save and Four Square chains, has also removed sharp knives from sale following the attack.
“Our thoughts are with the Countdown team and customers injured and affected by the terrible event at Lynn Mall yesterday,” said Foodstuffs NZ head of corporate affairs Antoinette Laird.
“Everyone deserves to be able to go to work and visit essential services like the supermarket safely,” she said. “While we consider the event and take some time to review the safety of our customers and staff, Foodstuffs stores have removed sharp knives from sale.”
Countdown stores across the country did not open until 10am on Saturday in a show of solidarity after the terrorist attack.
Hannifin said Countdown was grateful to customers who had supported the company’s decision to open a little later, and for all the messages of support they had received.
“This morning many of our teams throughout Aotearoa have taken some time to get together to talk, share a physically distanced cup of tea, and support each other following yesterday’s event in our Lynnmall store,” she said. “Our thoughts are with our customers who were injured and their families.”
Hannifin thanked emergency services for their support.
The LynnMall store will remain closed until further notice as multiple investigations into the incident continue.
The incident is the second high profile stabbing at a Countdown supermarket in recent months.
In May, four people - two men and two women – were seriously injured in a knife attack at a store in Dunedin.
The man has denied charges of attempted murder and is due to stand trial.
