Heated confrontations end in tragedy

Austin Hemmings. Photo / Supplied

Daryl Graydon, 26, whose case sparked the review of knife possession laws, was walking with a friend in Howick on December 8, 2007, when he had an altercation with two younger men.

A fight ensued and Mr Graydon landed a punch before the groups split.

The other pair went to one of their homes nearby and grabbed three kitchen knives. The found the other pair and challenged them to a fight, but Mr Graydon and his companion ran in different directions.

One knife-wielder, who has name suppression, eventually ran down Mr Graydon, stabbing him five times - twice in the back, and once in the arm, chest and lower abdomen.

His friend came to Mr Graydon's aid, but he died of his wounds.

The attacker was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life with a minimum non-parole period of 11 years.

Justice Raynor Asher, in sentencing, said it might be time for Parliament to reconsider knife laws.

"Somehow a very strong message has to be imparted to young people that it is utterly impermissible for knives to be carried in public places, particularly on city streets at night," he wrote.

Another prominent knife victim was Austin Hemmings, who was stabbed after he went to the aid of a woman being attacked in September 2008.

The woman was working at a central Auckland call centre and was on a cigarette break when she was confronted by the former partner of her friend. He took exception to something and a confrontation ensued.

Mr Hemmings approached them and stepped between the offender and the woman, telling her to run. She saw Mr Hemmings defending himself against the man, who was thrusting forwards with a knife.

Mr Hemmings stumbled along Mills Lane. He collapsed outside a medical centre and could not be saved.

Pauesi Brown has been charged with his murder.