On the 13th of November 1990, the small coastal village of Aramoana, just northeast of Dunedin, New Zealand, was the scene of a horrific mass shooting. David Gray, a local resident, killed 13 people, including Sergeant Stewart Guthrie, who was among the first to respond to the gunfire following a heated argument with his neighbour.
The Police Response
The following day, after a meticulous house-to-house search, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (now the Special Tactics Group) located Gray. As he emerged from a house, firing his weapon, the squad shot him. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital in an ambulance.
Aftermath and Legislation
This incident was the deadliest mass shooting in New Zealand’s history at that time, only to be surpassed by the Christchurch mosque shootings 28 years later. Consequently, New Zealand’s firearms laws saw sweeping changes in 1992, with new restrictions on military-style semi-automatic firearms and the introduction of 10-year photographic licences.
Community Reaction
Just three days after the massacre, Gray’s residence at 27 Muri Street was deliberately torched to the ground. The Port Chalmers Fire Brigade managed to contain the fire to the property, as around fifty residents observed, some reportedly mocking the blaze. Gray’s family later requested that no arson investigation proceed.
Impact on Gun Control
The tragedy ignited a national conversation about gun control. Gray’s weapon of choice, a Norinco 84S 5.56mm semi-automatic rifle, resembled and operated similarly to the Russian AK-47. Four dead and one injured were confirmed to have been shot with this rifle, with another injured by a .22 calibre Squires Bingham rifle owned by Gray. The inability to identify the weapon for some victims due to fragmented bullets underscored the need for tighter control.
From Tragedy to Love
In a heart-warming twist, 27 years after the massacre, survivors Chiquita Holden and Detective Stephen Vaughan married in a quiet, surprise ceremony in 2018. Both had been wounded but survived, meeting in Dunedin Hospital during recovery, where they bonded over their shared ordeal. Vaughan, who retired from the police in 2012 after three decades of service, received the ONZM in 2016. Holden dedicated her life to supporting victims as a homicide specialist for Victim Support.
Bravery Recognised
Numerous acts of bravery were acknowledged with awards:
George Cross – Posthumously awarded to Sergeant Stewart Guthrie.
George Medal – Mrs Eva Helen Dickson.
Queen’s Gallantry Medal – Awarded posthumously to Victor James Crimp QSM, and to Constables Don Nicholas Fraser Harvey, Paul Alan Knox, Terry Edward Van Turnhout, and Senior Constable David Thomas Weir.
Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct – Awarded to Sergeant Michael Arthur Kyne, Constables Timothy Philip Ashton, Robert William Barlass, Peter Gerard McCarthy, and Chiquita Danielle Holden.
Police Commendations
Additionally, several officers received internal police awards:
Gold Merit Award – Inspector Murray James Forbes, Detective Stephen Patrick Vaughan. Certificate of
Appreciation – Detective Sergeant Brian Keith Woodcock, Constables Gregory James Cummings, and Michael Lyn Rusbatch.
Engagement and Thoughts
This remarkable story of love and healing after such a devastating event touches many. What are your thoughts on how tragedy can lead to personal growth and connection? Click on the HOTLINE Letters to the Editor to share your reflections or discuss the long-term impacts of such events on communities and legislation.
The story of Stephen and Chiquita is one of resilience, love, and healing, symbolising hope emerging from the darkest of times.
