Five victims of the stabbing attack at a LynnMall supermarket have thanked police and healthcare workers, who they say were the difference between life and death.
Photo: 2021 Getty Images
Police have also identified an eighth victim of the attack.
Rodney Khan was not injured but was tackled by the offender when he bravely intervened in an attempt to stop the terrorist attacking a woman.
Detective Superintendent Tim Anderson said CCTV showed Khan ran straight towards danger without hesitation when he heard members of the public in distress.
Khan distracted the terrorist who then turned on him, Anderson said.
When he could, he gave the woman first aid and then went to find his partner, and safety.
"We have no doubt that Rodney's actions on that day prevented further injury to others and while he is very humble about what he did, his actions were nothing short of heroic," Anderson said.
"Rodney is at home recovering from a dislocated shoulder and being well supported by family and friends."
Three of the other victims remain in stable condition at Auckland Hospital after the attack.
Five people are recovering at home.
'I will never forget your genuine kindness'
Susan Maddren is recovering at home from the attack and in a statement to police said the bravery and courage of those supporting her and the other victims was commendable.
"A special mention to the lady outside Countdown who tried to stop the bleeding from my hip and to the bus driver who kindly allowed me to enter her bus, where I felt safe and supported until the ambulance arrived.
"I would like to thank the ambulance staff and all the doctors and nurses at Auckland hospital for the wonderful care I received. I will never forget your genuine kindness and your willingness to go the extra mile to ensure my every need was met.
"Your ability to show both skills and compassion is a rare combination and one of which you can all be immensely proud."
Maddren said the police's professionalism and attention to detail was outstanding.
"At the time of the attacks they not only acted quickly to prevent others getting hurt, but provided ongoing support to my husband, our four children and to myself."
She also thanked Victim Support.
"My heart goes out to the other victims and their families. Being a victim myself, I understand what they are going through and they are always in my thoughts.
"To our friends, family, community, and all New Zealanders everywhere who have offered their support, your kindness is greatly appreciated.
"In particular a special thank you to my children's schools who have gone above and beyond to show their love and support to us as a family. I know this is who we are as a country and what we do best, and I will be forever grateful to you all."
Actions difference between life and death - family
The family of a victim recovering in Auckland Hospital has offered their sincere thanks and praise "to the courageous people who came to the aid of the victims of the attack, and all of the ambulance staff who were involved".
"We acknowledge and commend your bravery and would like you to know and understand that your actions have been the difference between life or death, for our loved one in particular.
"Our gratitude is endless."
The family thanked the police tactical team who prevented more people from being attacked by the terrorist.
"We acknowledge and commend your bravery," they said.
They also thanked police staff providing ongoing support and staff at Auckland Hospital.
"In particular the surgeons and nursing staff, for their initial and ongoing service to the victims of the attack as they recover, both physically and psychologically.
"Our family would also like to acknowledge and send love to the family, friends and loved ones of all the victims of the attack, and the family friends and loved ones of all of the people present at the time it took place.
"And finally, we would like to acknowledge our mighty New Zealand nation for your ongoing support and love during this extremely challenging time.
"We will be forever grateful."
'I felt fearful for those injured' - brother of victim
A brother of a victim recovering in hospital says when he reached the hospital after being told of the attack, he was told his brother was in surgery and would be placed in an induced coma possibly for 48 hours.
"I felt that he was in good hands, so I went home and informed family. I also talked with Victim Support and police that evening and saw some of the news reports about the attack. I felt fearful for those that had been injured and grief, especially for my brother in not knowing what the outcome for him would be."
He says his brother improved with "astounding speed" and he was pleased to see him improve each day. After four days his brother was able to walk with assistance.
A few days later he says he received a huge smile from his brother when he arrived at hospital.
"... I knew that he would soon be his old self again (only family and friends know what I mean). He has his voice back and we will not be able to stop him from talking about the things he is passionate about. We love him so much."
He says his brother had a small setback with his breathing which has since been sorted and his condition is improving again.
"He has a bit of a journey to go yet before he is back to his old self..."
The brother says he felt for the police team who had to shoot the attacker, "but believe it was the best outcome".
"Even though the prime minister had said that in her opinion his name should not be made public, on Saturday morning the attacker's name was announced which made me angry with lots of emotions going on, but I later came around and feel that he was an unfortunate person who somehow took the path he did and suffered the consequences in a country where that ideology could not work."
He thanked the government, police, health workers & front line workers, as well as his family and friends, his partner and his partner's family. He also thanked those at the scene who stepped up "and possibly saved lives with their quick responses".
"New Zealand is still the best country in the world.
"Be kind and smile, my brother's healing journey continues."
'This was a horrific experience' - victim
A victim recovering at home said in a statement to police that they would like to thank everyone who helped them during and after the attack.
"I'd like to personally thank Countdown staff, police, ambulance staff, paramedics, hospital nurses, doctors, admin staff, radiologists, surgeons, anaesthetists and Victim Support.
"I'm truly overwhelmed by your professional assistance, care and kindness."
They also thanked the public, for their expressions of kindness and care and gave their condolences and love to other survivors.
"Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. This was a horrific experience and I'm incredibly grateful to God for saving my, and the other survivors' lives."
'We continue to pray for all those who have been affected'
Another victim recovering at home has given this statement to police:
"It is with much gratitude we wish to thank the following people for their love, care and support, Detectives Brendon Pearson, Brett Roberts and our family liaison officer, Victim Support, staff at Green Bay Medical Centre, ACC, Pastor's Simon and Monique Radford and the caring family at Laingholm Baptist Church, also our thoughtful neighbours and our wonderful supportive loving family.
"Most of all we give honour and praise to our lord and saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that without him we may not be here today and we continue to pray in Jesus name for all those who have been affected through this terrorist attack."