Police at Wycola Park in Hei Hei, Christchurch, where a man was fatally stabbed. Photo: RNZ / Jean Edwards
A man is in police custody after a fatal stabbing in Christchurch.
Police were called to the carpark of Wycola Park in Hei Hei about 1.50am, where a man in his late 20s was found dead with stab wounds.
Another man, aged 36, was taken into custody and is assisting police with inquiries in relation to an assault, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said.
He has been charged with assault.
"A number of other people are also assisting police, and officers are not seeking anyone else in relation to the death at this stage," Reeves said.
Police were door-knocking in the area to "piece together the events that led to the discovery of the man in Wycola Park carpark", they said in a statement on Friday afternoon.
"There will continue to be a police presence in the area while investigations are underway."
A police car at Wycola Park in Hei Hei, Christchurch, where a man in his late 20s was fatally stabbed. Photo: RNZ / Jean Edwards
Forensic police have been examining the cordoned-off car park by children's swings, a kindergarten and sports court and have set up a large blue tent.
Rebecca Bovey, who was watching police work, said the stabbing was "bloody disgusting".
"They're not going to have their family member for Christmas. It's upsetting for people."
A local dairy owner, who did not want to be named, said Wycola Avenue was usually a quiet street and he did not see anything unusual when he closed his shop last night.
"It's no good for this small community, not at all. It's terrible for the families associated with these people."
Mana whenua performed a mihi and karakia by the police cordon.
Police said it was an isolated incident and they did not believe there was any risk to the public.
Police said it was an isolated incident and they did not believe there was any risk to the public. Photo: RNZ / Jean Edwards
Hornby Ward councillor Mark Peters said the death showed the need for 24/7 policing in the area. He said it had been years since Hornby Police Station was staffed around the clock.
"It's something that we'd really like the police and the police minister to reconsider. Having a presence of personnel 24/7 would certainly be appreciated and from that they'd be able to have more presence on the street and therefor deter some of the activity that does go on."
It would allow more rapid police responses and provide greater assurance to the community, he said.
"That local presence allows the faster response and the better opportunity to nip it in the bud. So we are keen to work with the police to see if we can get that police station better manned so everyone can feel that little bit safer by having more local presence."
Peters said it was a tragedy for friends and whānau of those involved, made even harder being so close to Christmas.
"There's a family now that's going to have a loved one missing through the festive season . . . for any family that's a tragedy and for a community that's a tragedy. That's where as a community, as we always do, we need to wrap around each other and be there for each other and help each other through this time."
Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board member Henk Buunk agreed.
"It points to the fact that we need a police presence in the area, " he said. "Always it's good to have the visible police presence - to see police on the ground is useful. It gives people peace of mind and allows people to know help is close at hand."
Police urged anyone with information or video footage of the incident to get in touch - by phone on 105 or online at 105.police.govt.nz - using 'update report', referencing file number 231222/9398.
