11 February 2005
Work and Income staff injured in knife attack
Two Work and Income employees have received medical treatment after a knife attack at the Hamilton East Work and Income
Service Centre this morning.
One staff member was stabbed and received wounds to her neck and shoulders. She remains in hospital and her condition is
described as fair. Another staff member has had stitches for cuts received in going to the rescue. No other staff or
clients were injured.
A woman has been arrested and is in police custody.
The Hamilton East Service Centre is closed for the rest of the day.
“We are shocked and appalled at this completely unprovoked attack. It appears that the staff member was responding to a
request for a Work and Income form, when out of the blue, she was stabbed,” said Liz Jones, General Manager, National
Operations, Work and Income.
“Staff were incredibly brave in tackling the offender and wrestling the knife out of her hands. “I cannot speak highly
enough of our Hamilton East people in dealing with this bizarre and traumatic attack. I am hugely proud of them.
“Counsellors have already begun working with the staff and they have been sent home to their families. A full security
review will be undertaken though there is always a fine balance to be achieved in providing a safe secure environment
for our staff that is open and welcoming for our clients. Our main focus continues to be the protection of our people
and helping them to get through this appalling incident.
“The frontline staff of Work and Income do an incredible job in providing income and employment services to some of New
Zealand’s most vulnerable people. I am sure that the thoughts of all New Zealanders will be with our injured colleagues
as we wish them a speedy recovery,” said Liz Jones.
ENDS