Rotorua shop owner Doris Elliot said three women repeatedly confronted her outside her holistic store, accusing her of witchcraft and causing her to experience chest pains that led to an ambulance call. Police responded to both incidents but did not file charges.
Doris Elliot, owner of Rotorua’s Muma Dee’z Creations, described two separate incidents where three women confronted her outside her shop, accusing her of witchcraft and warning customers not to enter. The first encounter occurred two weeks prior to the latest incident, and the second took place on Thursday. Elliot said the group’s behavior escalated, with one woman pushing her husband and her experiencing sharp chest pains that required an ambulance. Police attended both incidents but did not lay charges.
Confrontations Escalate, Business Owner Feels Threatened
Elliot told 1News that the group first approached her shop two weeks before the incident, warning customers that her store was “evil” and that she practiced witchcraft. They started preaching in front of my shop and telling people not to go into the shop because it’s evil, and if they come into the shop they’ll be killed because I practise witchcraft,
she said. She claimed the women returned, this time even more fiercer,
with one shouting that she would kill people if they entered my shop.
The confrontation led to physical tension. Elliot said a man in the group pushed her husband, prompting her son to call an ambulance. She described experiencing real sharp pains in my heart area, in my chest, and I couldn’t breathe properly,
which she attributed to a panic attack. I thought I was going to have a heart attack,
she said. Police were called and spoke with the group but did not arrest anyone.
Business Owner Defends Holistic Store, Calls for Respect
Elliot, who has operated Muma Dee’z Creations for four years, emphasized that her store sells healing products
such as soaps, candles, herbs, and tarot cards, and that she does not practice witchcraft. I’m here to help people heal as best as I can through the products that I sell. I’m not here to get rich quick,
she said. She criticized the group’s actions, stating, Go preach, I don’t care. That’s your belief but go in the middle of the square or something, you don’t have to do it in front of my shop.
The women had previously interacted with Elliot in a different context. According to the sources, they had a nice talk with me
earlier, asking to “bless me” and “pray for me.” However, she said their behavior changed, with the incident marking a shift to “fiercer” confrontation. They were even more fiercer and they were saying that I personally would kill people if they entered my shop,
she said.
Police Response and Ongoing Concerns
Police responded to both incidents, with officers attending the scene on Tutanekai St. and speaking with those involved. A police spokesman confirmed that no arrests were made and no charges were laid. Elliot expressed concern that the group might return, stating, I’m really concerned that they're going to come back and do this again.
She also noted that the incidents added to the financial strain of running her business, which had already faced slow trade due to the cost of living.
Elliot’s store, which she described as a spiritual, holistic store,
aims to create a safe space for customers. If they can have that five minutes of feeling safe, that they can be themselves, well then I've done my job,
she said.
Community Reaction and Unanswered Questions
There's so many beliefs in this life, and we can all learn to live together without judging one another, and loving one another,
she said.
She said she plans to continue running her store but remains vigilant. I’m not here to push anyone into anything.
I’m here to serve the people, to help the people, so they can keep carrying on in their own beliefs,
she said.
