The Sandringham dairy tragedy has sparked a whole new wave of calls for the Government to act on youth offending and gangs.
The hit was close to home for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, in fact, it was just down the road from where she lives and her electoral office.
"It is devastating to see what has happened. I expressed that publicly and do so again here today. I am so sorry to this family for what has happened," said Ardern.
But sorry isn't enough for ACT or the National Party.
"This needs to be a turning point for the Government. So far they've deflected, they've defended, and done everything but actually help people who are victims," said ACT leader David Seymour.
"The Government is soft on crime," National's deputy leader Nicola Willis said.
But Ardern "completely disagreed with that statement all the way through".
"I just point to the record that we have not lessened any penalties."
Last night's violence isn't new, but it's happened time and time again.
Sandringham Neighbourhood Support's John McCaffery said they've "done all the things we could".
"But there is no police assistance anymore. There are no neighbourhood support police in our area."
However, the Government said police numbers have increased and it's met with business owners, heard their concerns and taken action.
"A number of initiatives taken on board has been as a result of feedback to better provide support. Of course, none of that changes what happened yesterday," said Ardern.
But Willis thinks it's time for a rethink.
"We think new approaches are needed for youth offending, for example for gangs."
Approaches the Prime Minister argues they are taking.
"We are seeing more 12 and 13-year-olds. That's new and that's where some of our interventions have been focussed."
Police Minister Chris Hipkins also defended actions taken, saying there's been significant progress with fog cannons, security alarms, bollards and roller doors.
"Of course, I would have liked to have seen some of that happen sooner, but I'm confident that that work is now, as indicated, accelerating."
There are calls for the Government to apologise to the Sandringham community, not just the family.
Justice Minister Kiri Allan said they have expressed sorrow over the senseless attack and are focussing on supporting the family, community and the police.
