The government is scrambling to take a tougher line on crime in the face of extraordinary pressure - splashing cash and signalling potentially more changes to come.
Dairy owners yesterday shut up shop to commemorate the slain shopkeeper Janak Patel and to call for tougher penalties for offenders.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denies it has taken a tragedy for her to act - and insists she has always been firm and fact-driven.
The community is sceptical and opposition parties appalled.
This report from RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.
