Winz killings: Office remains closed

Police and forensics officers at the Ashburton Winz office on Monday where Russell Tully allegedly killed two women and injured another. Photo / Ashburton Guardian

The cordon might have been lifted around the Ashburton Work and Income centre where two workers were shot dead last Monday, but it will remain shut for the foreseeable future, officials say.

The Ministry of Social Development is now looking into finding a temporary alternative site for the Ashburton Community Link service.

"We are considering what can be done to make sure we're still able to provide a service and get help to those who need it," ministry chief executive Brendan Boyle said.

"Our current priority is making sure our staff and clients are safe, and we will continue to make sure the Ashburton community is updated."

The cordon was lifted last night and security guards were today stationed outside the building.

Its rear and side car-park remain closed off to public.

A sign pasted to the front door reads: "In the unlikely event this Work and Income office is closed please call 0800 559 009 for assistance."

Masses of bouquets and posies overflow the Moore St footpath as the Mid Canterbury town struggles to come to grips with last week's massacre.

A funeral for shooting victim Leigh Cleveland, 55, was held in Alexandra on Saturday, and fellow victim Peggy Noble was farewelled in Ashburton today.

More than 600 people gathered in the Ashburton Event Centre to celebrate Ms Noble's life.

People who attended the service said that alongside the sadness and grief there was warmth and laughter as extended family and Winz co-workers spoke of the woman they said had been loved by all who knew her.

At the request of the family, media kept their distance, standing on street corners to film and photograph Ms Noble's casket as it was placed in the hearse before the funeral procession moved to a graveside farewell at the Ashburton Cemetery.

Among the mourners were Social Development Minister Paula Bennett, Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew and Ashburton mayor Angus McKay.

The Ministry of Social Development, other government departments, and police officers observed two minutes' silence at 9.51am today to honour the victims.

Police continued to search the Ashburton River area today for items which may belong to suspect Russell John Tully.

Police yesterday said they had found a black mountain bike and a number of personal items thought to belong to Tully.

However, they were continuing to look for any other items, which could include another firearm and ammunition, which may have been in his possession.

Police have been searching an area stretching from the scene of the shooting to the farm where he was found, including about 13km of riverbank along the Ashburton River.

Today's search involved specialist firearms dogs and their handlers, and other search and rescue personnel.

A public memorial service for the victims will be held in Ashburton on Thursday.

Lindy Curtis, 43, who was critically injured in the shooting, has been recovering in hospital.

Tully, 48, has been charged with two counts of murder and one of attempted murder and has been remanded in custody to appear at the High Court in Christchurch on September 23.

- Additional reporting Ashburton Guardian