“A ram raid in 2019, a hold-up in 2022, and a pregnant staff member pushed in 2025” — Pawik Patel, owner of a Whakatāne dairy who immigrated from Fiji to New Zealand 20 years ago, has witnessed almost every challenge affecting his business, Allandale Superette, which opened in 2017.
The most recent incident occurred on May 31, when a man entered the store around 7 am under the pretense of buying a phone charger.
News from The Indian Weekender delivered to your inbox every Friday. Subscribe Now!
The man pushed a staff member who was seven months pregnant, but she managed to activate a fog cannon during the struggle, The Whakatāne Beacon reported.
The intruder then forced his way into the adjoining home, where Patel’s father was asleep. He allegedly demanded money, prompting Patel’s father to escape by climbing out of a bedroom window, injuring himself in the process.
“The staff was taken to the hospital, and both mother and baby are doing well,” Patel told The Indian Weekender.
Police have charged a 33-year-old man in connection with the incident.
“A 33-year-old man is before the courts,” police confirmed. “He is due to reappear in the Whakatane District Court tomorrow (11 June), charged unlawfully being in an enclosed area, two charges of unlawful interference, two charges of burglary, assault with intent to injure and wilful damage.”
This latest incident marks the third attack on the businesses, according to Patel.
In 2019, two masked youths allegedly entered the shop, locked the door, and held Patel at knifepoint while stealing cigarettes.
“I knew who those young boys were because Whakatāne is a small place,” Patel said. “I was not scared,” he recalled.
Patel was unharmed after the youths left with the stolen items. One of them was handed over to police by his mother the following day, he shared.
In 2022, Patel’s dairy was again targeted during a ram raid.
“In reality, this is never going to stop,” he said.
“All the alleged robbers eventually walk free.”
“There are so many shoplifting incidents these days,” he added. “Absolutely no control.”
News from The Indian Weekender delivered to your inbox every Friday. Subscribe Now!