A West Auckland community was reeling yesterday following the killing of a popular dairy owner in Henderson.
Two boys, aged 12 and 13, were last night charged by police in relation to the death.
Arun Kumar, 57, owner of Railside Dairy in Henderson, was stabbed in the neck.
The killing was last night condemned by the head of one of the largest community groups in Auckland.
“It is shocking,” said Veer Khar, president of Manukau Indian Association.
“It may have been for a small amount of cash but it is shocking,” Mr Khar said.
“We are experiencing the rise in violence and unfortunately the government is not responsive enough.
“Small businesses need security and such incidents need urgent attention,” Mr Khar said.
“The Kiwi Indian community will mobilise support for more appropriate government action.”
Police arrived at the dairy on Great North Rd around 7:30am, Detective Inspector Bruce Scott told a media briefing at Waitakere Police Station yesterday afternoon.
Ambulance staff gave assistance but Mr Kumar had suffered a wound in his neck and died at the scene. Mr Kumar's wife was with him at the time of the attack and was unharmed, police said.
Mr Scott said police had gathered CCTV footage from the dairy and nearby shops and were speaking to witnesses.
"There's quite a few people out and about at 7:30," he said.
People at Mr Kumar's home in Henderson yesterday said the family were too upset to speak to media.
Nearby shop owners described Mr Kumar as a "really nice guy" who was well known to other shop owners in that section of the street.
Lawyer Bernie Allen, from a nearby law firm, said he always bought his supplies from the dairy, and staff were shocked by news of the stabbing.
"They were the most beautiful couple you could ever meet," he said of the Kumars.
"We're feeling deeply for his wife. It's too early to understand it all but we feel like our precinct, our people, have been violated."
He described the incident as inexplicable.
"I'm deeply saddened by it."
Update from NZ Police:
A homicide investigation, called Operation Leeanne, is underway into this incident.
The persons assisting Police with enquiries are two boys aged 12 and 13 years old, and both are speaking to Police in the presence of support people. They were located by Police in Henderson shortly after this morning's incident.
A scene examination at the shop is underway and as part of the enquiry, officers have been speaking with a number of people who were in the area at the time of the attack. CCTV footage from a number of stores, including the dairy, is also being gathered and will be reviewed throughout the course of the enquiry.
Anyone who was in the Great North Road/Railside Avenue area around 7am this morning who may have information that could assist the enquiry is asked to contact the Operation Leeanne team by calling the Henderson Police on 09 839 0600.