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Maori wardens have been out patrolling the streets of South Auckland in an attempt to reassure the community, following the fatal shooting of a liquor store owner Navtej Singh.
The attack has angered shopkeepers in the area, who fear they could also face violence.
Maori wardens have been working with police throughout the investigation into the murder of Singh. As the police operation winds down for the night, they head out onto the beat.
Wardens had visited Singh the night before three men entered his store, robbing him of cash and callously firing a gun at the shop owner. Now the group can't help but think 'what if'.
"If we were there the next night who knows ... you can't be everywhere at once," says Maori warden Gorden Wright.
Maori wardens aren't seen as police, so they are often told things police don't get to hear. Wright has been pounding pavements for 15 years, walking and talking with locals.
"It's about reassuring them cos they are not too sure," Wright says.
There is mounting concern with one shopkeeper ONE News spoke to suggesting all the liquor stores should close at 8pm.
There are 156 off-licences in Manukau and the council wants licensing laws changed so it can control the density and residential spread of them.
But until that happens there are plenty of people needing reassurance from South Auckland's Maori warden.
