Remembering the Aramoana massacre - 13 November 1990

New Zealand Police today acknowledges the 30-year anniversary of the Aramoana massacre, an event that marked one of New Zealand’s darkest days.

On 13 November 1990 an Aramoana resident took the lives of 13 people and injured several others in the small township north of Port Chalmers, Dunedin.

He was shot and killed by Police the following day.
The incident remained New Zealand’s deadliest mass shooting for 29 years.

“Today we acknowledge the lives lost, and the lives forever changed, following the senseless shooting at Aramoana on this day in 1990,” says New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.

“On days like today the grief of those who knew those who died is felt as keenly as it was all those years ago.

“There are also many others still living who will be reliving the emotions they felt on that day.

“To the victims’ families and friends, to those who helped and protected neighbours, and to the first responders, including our own staff, who risked their own lives to protect the Aramoana community, we commend your strength and keep you in our thoughts today.”

One of those killed was 41-year-old Sergeant Stewart Graeme Guthrie, who was the sole charge officer at Port Chalmers Police Station and immediately responded on hearing about a firearm being discharged.

He knew the gunman, and he and another officer, Constable Russell Anderson, located him at his home address and set about containing him.

When the gunman retreated to the rear of the property, Sergeant Guthrie challenged him. The gunman fired a series of shots, one of which killed Sergeant Guthrie.

Now Superintendent Jason Guthrie is Sergeant Guthrie’s nephew.

“I always admired and was very proud of the work he did as a Police officer,” says Superintendent Guthrie, National Manager: Professional Conduct for New Zealand Police.

Throughout the ordeal Sergeant Guthrie displayed extreme bravery and courage and he was posthumously awarded the George Cross for conspicuous gallantry.

[tecumsehtm]

I still vividly remember Stu's last words over the police radio that were played once on TV at the time, then never released again. "He has a rifle with a large magazine and telescopic sight. I repeat, a large magazine and tele sight". Then you heard him yell David's name, in a calm voice like a dad yelling at a naughty kid, and told him to drop the gun. Then the shots.

[meg]

I remember when this happened, it shocked my household, your Uncle was definitely a very brave police officer 👮‍♂️💙

[JC-ztzu]

I still remember watching the news about this incident.
RIP sergeant.

[jenaemarieAZ]

So moving. Thank you and bless your family.

[jazminebellx]

You are all in our hearts and minds. We shall never forget.

[daapgaming]

Most shocking day in New Zealand history, respect to the fallen. A lot of people complain about the police but here is a great example of the great work they do and most recently the Christchurch shooting, New Zealand has one the the better police forces in the world.

[brittenv]

I was 10. I remember this. Never forget!

[arisening]

Rest in peace, Stu Guthrie. You will be missed. o7 tyfys - Such a beautiful tribute..

[zackwlf]

Great job NZ Police! Scary situation for all those involved.

[MiaogisTeas]

I remember. We were numb. I think the whole nation was. But at least we learned, like not firing a warning shot, but one that will stop the threat, when faced with an armed killer.

[allgood]

Sad event.. salute and respect.. RIP from Wgtn 🇳🇿

[kiwihib]

The end of innocence used to go to Aramoana as a kid my dad's uncle ran the store back in those days we fished of the mole swam at the beach. Was at work here in Auckland when the news first came through we had a TV upstairs in the offices got to watch it unfold tore me apart never expected it happen in Dunedin.

[richardchatfield]

What the hecks going on Johnsonville police

[idgaf]

Kind of feel sorry for David Gray, I know in some small towns gossip spreads easily and if you are on the wrong end, communities take a disliking to you, I can see how something like the Aramoana disaster can easily make a person bitter .Sometimes we look at the police as heroes and the families of this town as victims but I wonder who the real victim is, media portrays what it wants us to hear or see, could this have been a town that hated David's presence. Rest in peace David, only you will know the pain you went through,

[axelplummer]

Huge respect for a national hero. #supportblue