New Lynn supermarket terror attack: Traumatised witness metres from terrorist when he was shot dead not yet offered professional help

Warning: This article contains details that may disturb some people.

A witness to the LynnMall attack who was just metres from the terrorist before he was shot dead is paranoid over the ordeal and says he hasn't yet been offered any professional help.

Three people are still in critical condition following the stabbing at the Countdown New Lynn on Friday after Sri Lankan national Ahamed Aathil Mohamed Samsudeen, a man that officials had been trying to deport for years, carried out an "ISIS-inspired" attack.

Amit Nand, a witness who saw police take down the terrorist, says he's struggling to switch off.

"On Friday night, I couldn't sleep - all I could see was the guy dying in front of me so it was quite shocking," he told The AM Show.

"I had to go and have a few drinks just to go to sleep. Seeing a person die in front of you... is tough but I'm getting there."

Nand said he's yet to be offered any professional help.

"My family's been here - and I've got my three kids so it's been good spending time with them."

Amit Nand.
Amit Nand. Photo credit: The AM Show

Another witness, Shaneena Balasundram, said she took shelter in a storage room during the attack and is still too shaken to leave her home.

"There weren't many checkout counters open and I couldn't run away because was trolleys and chains all locked, and I saw a storage room on my right-hand side - I banged on the door and I said, 'can I come in please?'"

She said it will take her some time to recover.

"You still have the aftershock… you've just got to do what you've got to do.

"I haven't left the house since Friday… it's getting better but not yet.

"I'm just going to stay indoors for a couple of days - until I gain some confidence."

Victim Support said on Sunday urged people impacted by the attack to get in touch.

"Any strong reactions experienced by anyone in relation to this attack are normal responses to an extreme situation," the organisation said in a statement.

"We have a good explainer on our website about common reactions to a terror attack, as well as suggestions on how to cope, and links and contacts for further information 

"Please share this with anyone you think may benefit and, as always, if you need us, call any time on 0800 842 846."

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson is assuring New Zealand remains a safe country in the wake of the terror attack but said he understands people's concerns.

"Every agency of Government who is relevant has been involved and I can assure New Zealanders that no stone's been left unturned to make sure that they're safe from threats," he told The AM Show.