A local business owner who employed the man who killed two women at a Whangarei property last week says police did nothing after she complained of theft and threats.
Quinn Patterson died when his house burned to the ground after an exchange of gunfire with police. Photo: RNZ
Quinn Patterson killed property manager Wendy Campbell her daughter Natanya on Wednesday when they visited his home.
The business owner, who did not want to be named, said the police should have done more when she reported Mr Patterson to them.
"I had proof he had been embezzling and not only was he committing fraud, he was stealing from me. And then, when confronted and getting angry, I believed they should have followed through on that, definitely."
The business owner said Mr Patterson was manipulative, stole thousands of dollars worth of goods from her business and had anger problems.
In a statement, police said they were unable to answer specific questions which related to the ongoing investigation.
After the deaths of the two property inspectors, it was revealed that Patterson had firearms but no license and had stabbed a police officer, as a young man.
RNZ has asked the police why no checks were done on Patterson at that time police went to see him.
But the police have also refused to answer this query.
A scene examination has been completed at the Mt Tiger property, where Patterson's body was found in the charred remains of the house.
A tangi is underway for the mother and daughter he killed and Wendy Campbell's funeral will take place at Whangarei's Elim church on Wednesday.