Opawa dairy robbery and stabbing

The story so far

A dairy owner in Opawa, Christchurch, was seriously injured when he was stabbed during an aggravated robbery on Tuesday morning, 1 December.^{2 Dec 2025} The robbery involved three offenders, and police arrested a 14-year-old boy while still searching for the other two.^{2 Dec 2025} A 17-year-old handed himself in to police later that week and faces Youth Court charges including aggravated robbery and wounding.^{4 Dec 2025} The owner, who is 63, was hospitalised in serious condition after being stabbed twice in the arm.^{18 Dec 2025}

Latest

The store owner has returned to work at the dairy.^{18 Dec 2025} He said the young people allegedly involved could still have bright futures if they change their ways.^{18 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 2 Dec 2025Dairy owner stabbed during robbery on Opawa Road; police cordon area.
2. 2 Dec 202514-year-old boy arrested; police still searching for two other offenders.
3. 4 Dec 202517-year-old hands himself in, charged with aggravated robbery and wounding.
4. 18 Dec 2025Dairy owner returns to work after being stabbed twice in arm.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.