Winz shootings: Hundreds expected for memorial

Sarah McCrea placing flowers across the street from the Ashburton Winz office where three staff members were shot.Photo / Mark Mitchell

Hundreds of people are expected to gather for a public memorial service this week dedicated to the victims and survivors of last Monday's Work and Income shootings.

Details have been released of the community civic service in Ashburton on Thursday.

It will be held at 12.15pm in the Mid Canterbury town's Baring Square East by the clocktower.

The 45-minute service, organised by the local district council and the Ministers' Association, is open to anyone who wishes to pay their respects and remember the lives of slain Work and Income workers Peg Noble and Leigh Cleveland.

Ashburton District Council is closing its offices for an hour to allow staff to attend the service.

Mayor Angus McKay said some shopkeepers had indicated that they would also shut down for it.

"It's important for the people of Ashburton to remember the event, to remember all those affected - from victims, staff, and other service agencies involved - and to move on and work towards Ashburton becoming the safe place it has always been," Mr McKay said.

The Ministers' Association will speak on behalf of the families. Work and Income will be represented by chief executive Brendan Boyle and the community by Mr McKay.

Ms Cleveland, 55, was laid to rest in Alexandra on Saturday, while Ms Noble was farewelled in at the Ashburton Event Centre yesterday.

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

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

The cordon around the town's Work and Income centre has been lifted this week but it will remain shut for the foreseeable future.

The Ministry of Social Development, with help from the council, is now looking into finding a temporary alternative site.

"Everyone is trying to find a new site as soon as possible because there are still people out there who require assistance," Mr McKay said.

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

• Ashburton Benevolent Trust has set up a fund for the victims, with support from the council.

Contributions can be made online or at any Westpac Bank branch - account name: The Ashburton Victims Fund. Account No: 03-0835-0342252-00.