Dated: 6th of May, 2026

A man assaulted a staff member and a customer at Liquorland Rimutaka on Saturday. Staff had earlier removed him for allegedly trying to steal a six‑pack shortly before 5pm. He returned twice, becoming aggressive in the car park and prompting staff to call police.

Assistant manager Aerin Shanley said CCTV later showed the man re‑entering the store, where he punched a customer without provocation. She said he then punched her twice, kicked her in the ribs, and threw a bottle that smashed on the floor. The man stepped on broken glass while trying to take a bottle of Diet Coke.

Another staff member calmed the situation until police arrived at 6.20pm. Police said the 42‑year‑old assaulted two people and was taken into custody. An ambulance was called due to his foot injury. He was released after being checked at hospital, which Shanley said caused anxiety about returning to work.

He was due in Hutt Valley District Court on Tuesday, charged with three counts of common assault, and has been trespassed from the store. The tavern later posted on Facebook that it would not tolerate threats or violence toward staff or customers.

Source: Eva Gallot / Stuff – A “thank you” to the editor at Stuff for allowing The Upper Hutt Connection to summarise their articles.

06/05/26