A 34-year-old man faces charges including abducting a child, aggravated assault, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Michael Smith, 34, believed to be in Taranaki.
The stormed the store just after 6am.
A girl as young as 10 years old was with the group.
Police say the man shot the gun with an intention to intimidate.
Tom Coombes was stabbed 42 times by Christian Eteuati in a walkway in 2022.
He's spent about half of his life behind bars.
Police made several shoplifting arrests this week.
"Police are once again astounded at this incredibly dangerous behaviour."
The public is asked to avoid the area.
Police say they have "concerns for a person's wellbeing".
A manhunt continues for the offender.
Vaila Sopo killed the infant almost two years ago.
One person received critical injuries and died at the scene.
The prosecution alleges a coordinated stabbing attack in the murder trial for teenagers accused in Beach Haven road rage death.
In the first quarter this year, over 5000 incidents have been reported in Foodstuffs North Island stores.
She said some students were targeted by the offenders for their designer shoes, clothes and phones.
Coalition leaders National have long called for such a unit.
Watch the press conference.
Investigations are ongoing.
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