Charges after Winz stabbing

A Hamilton woman has been charged with wounding with intent following the stabbing of a Work and Income receptionist.

The woman, 32, appeared in the Hamilton District Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody until today, said Sergeant Mike Ormsby of Hamilton police.

The woman is alleged to have entered the Hamilton East office about 11am on Friday and dragged the receptionist to the ground before repeatedly stabbing her in the neck, arms and shoulders with a steak knife.

A male colleague who went to the victim's aid also needed treatment for knife wounds.

Police said the receptionist was traumatised. The attack was unrelated to her work. She is in a fair condition in Waikato Hospital.

Six other incidents have occurred at the office in the past 12 months, mainly involving verbal abuse.

Work and Income chief executive Liz Jones has announced a security review of the office and has said a fulltime security guard is likely to be on duty when it reopens today.

- NZPA