A homicide investigation is underway in Hastings following the deaths of three people after an incident at an Avenue Road East address early this morning. Photo / Chris Hyde
“Police appreciate this is a distressing incident that will no doubt be concerning to nearby residents.
“I would like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, contained to this specific group of people, and there is no risk to the wider public,” James said.
‘Horrible and horrific’
Hastings’ Mayor Wendy Schollum said she was “deeply saddened” by the incident.
She expressed her condolences to the friends and family directly affected and said it was now about giving police space to do their job.
Schollum said Hastings is a tight-knit community.
“That is one of the beautiful things about provincial Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand as a whole, that we know and take care of each other.
“It really does ripple through our community.”
In the coming days, she believes locals will be paying tribute to the deceased.
“When something horrible and horrific like this happens, our community comes out in force.”
Schollum wanted to emphasise that Hastings is a place where people come to thrive, love, and enjoy life.
“Events like this are horrific, and they definitely don’t define communities like ours,” she said.
“We’re a community full of families, and so I think we need to wrap our support around those who have been most affected at this time.”