The murders in cold blood, quite rightly, dominated the national news for the next few days –as did the gunman’s murder trial - until the next grave tragedy occurred and focus shifted away from the bustling Mid Canterbury farming centre.
But for the loved ones of the two murdered women – Peggy Noble and Leigh Cleveland – along with the survivors who were shot and wounded or narrowly avoided the blasts, and others caught up in the deadly rampage, members of the public, first responders, and the wider Ashburton community, the impact is everlasting.
It brought about some immediate changes, with the Ministry of Social Development enlisting more than 100 extra security guards at Winz sites across the country – while the ministry was also prosecuted under health and safety laws, for failing to “take all practicable steps” to protect its staff.
The Cass St office building never reopened, with a new centre built just down the road.
It remains a haunting reminder for Ashburton locals, with an Ōamaru stone sculpture now on-site and paying tribute to Noble and Cleveland.
Friends and family members comfort each other after a public memorial service in Ashburton to pay tribute to Winz shooting victims Leigh Cleveland and Peggy Noble. Picture: Martin Hunter
Two of the survivors – Lindy Curtis who was shot in the leg and decided to “play dead” to avoid being shot again, and Kim Adams who felt the “whoosh” of a bullet past her face – both gave harrowing testimony at Russell John Tully’s High Court trial in Christchurch.
But they have not spoken publicly since – and declined requests for interviews with a Herald senior crime journalist last week ahead of today’s anniversary.
Ashburton – population 20,800, nicknamed “Ashvegas” – dates back to 1858 and has become a prosperous agricultural hub halfway between Christchurch and Timaru at the base of the Canterbury Plains.
But even on the town’s Wikipedia page, the shocking “violent incident” of September 1, 2014 is mentioned. There is no escaping the dark shadow the shooting leaves on the town.
It is worth Kiwis pausing to reflect on Ashburton’s darkest day, and to remember those caught up in the tragic events.
Although time moves on, and the news cycle moves to the next tragedy or significant event, for those at the heart of things, it never really goes away. And they should not feel forgotten.
