The rate of homicides in the country has almost doubled over the past three weeks, with police saying they have started eight separate investigations since December 16.
He said stress may have played a part in some of the cases.
“The pressure that comes on families around this holiday period certainly plays a factor in the increase in violence, and the jobs that we’re attending.
“It culminates over a whole year of pressure, and tends to have that explosive element to it at this time of year.”
Police cordons in the Christchurch suburb of Aranui after a 38-year-old man was found dead on January 4. Photo / Sam Sherwood
Senior Sergeant Watt said the spike in homicides was also putting extra pressure on staff, with the holiday period already a busy time.
“With the amount of homicides we have been having, alongside our business-as-usual jobs that we have to deal with, there’s an increase in demand from the public... and that just adds to the relentless pressure that the members are under.”
A police spokesperson said it was difficult to attribute patterns or trends in homicides - “even when it may appear there has been a ‘spike’ or ‘cluster’” - because each case “has unique circumstances”.
The spokesperson added: “Each of these deaths is tragic and will have far-reaching and devastating impacts for the victims’ families and loved ones.
“These deaths are all the subject of extensive investigations, or are already before the courts.”
Police on Addington Ave in Manurewa, Auckland after two men were found with serious injuries in a car on New Year's Day. One man died. Photo / Dean Purcell
