Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern disappointed at Ashburton memorial vandalism

A memorial sculpture for the victims of the 2014 Winz shooting was vandalised for a second time last week. Photo / Malcolm Hopwood

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described the vandalism of a memorial for the victims of the Ashburton Winz shooting as 'senseless'.

A limestone sculpture which featured a paua insert, a memorial to the two victims of the 2014 Winz office shooting, was left smashed last week, sparking outrage among residents.

Ardern was in Ashburton this week where she met with Mid Canterbury community and rural leaders to discuss ongoing support following last month's historic floods.

She spoke to Local Democracy Reporting where she expressed her disappointment at the incident.

"It's horrific," she said.

"I can't imagine what it would be like for the family and friends and colleagues to not only have the grief of that loss but the memorial damage."

"It's absolutely senseless and can't imagine why someone would do something like that."

Work and Income employees Susan Leigh Cleveland and Peggy Noble were shot and killed after gunman Russell John Tully stormed the Cass Street office on September 1 2014.

Two men of interest had been caught on CCTV footage walking from Tancred Street last Friday as police continue investigations.

Ashburton community groups are coordinating funding for a replacement for the feature.

It is the second time the memorial had been targeted by vandals after it was destroyed a few years ago.