Countdown's general safety manager says the supermarket is "devastated" after a man entered the LynnMall store and injured multiple people before being shot dead by police.
St John has confirmed there are six patients following the attack. They told Newshub three of these people are in a critical condition and one in a serious condition.
"We are devastated by what's taken place in our LynnMall store today. Once again, our hearts are heavy knowing what our team and customers have witnessed and been through," Kiri Hannifin said in a statement.
"Our thoughts are with those who were injured and their families, and we will be supporting all of our LynnMall team."
Hannifin said that over the last few weeks Kiwis had shown gratitude and kindness while shopping for groceries.
In May this year, four people were hospitalised - including two supermarket employees - after a stabbing attack at the Cumberland St Countdown in Dunedin.
"We are particularly devastated that something like this has happened again in one of our stores. It's difficult to comprehend and the events of today leave our whole team in deep shock," Kiri Hannifin said.
"The safety of our team, and our customers, is always our priority, and this is at the heart of our COVID-19 response as well."
"We will cooperate with the police in any way we can to understand what's happened, and at this point we're unable to provide any further details."
The Countdown LynnMall store will be closed until further notice.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is set to address media over the incident this evening.
