Knife crime is under scrutiny as tougher penalties, more education in schools and voluntary sales restrictions, are considered to reduce the incidence.

Justice Minister Simon Power has just released a report on knife possession laws and he hopes it will stimulate public debate on the subject.

Parliament was asked for the report by High Court Judge Justice Asher last month. The report says the number of offences has been stable but more people are being picked up by police for possession of an offensive weapon.

Mr Power says another option recommended by the report is a closer accord between police and retailers, with voluntary restrictions on the sale of knives.

He hopes to take the recommendations to Cabinet in the next two months.