In the wake of the Christchurch terrorist attack New Zealanders have become a lot less tolerant to racism, according to Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.
Mr Goff and President of the NZ Muslim Association Ikhlaq Kashkari told TVNZ1's Breakfast that the attacks have brought New Zealanders closer together.
"It brought us together in a way I can never remember over a lifetime, people feel much closer to each other now," Mr Goff says.
"If the gunman sought to divide us, he’s actually brought us together. If he sought to foment hatred, actually he’s fomented love. I’ve seen more affection, more solidarity, more support of a really genuine nature, between different ethnicities and faiths than I’ve ever seen.”
Mr Goff says in the wake of the attacks New Zealanders have become a lot less tolerant to racism.
"The silent majority has become a lot less silent. They will be much less silent in their tolerance both of the hard right-wing extremists, but also of casual racism.
"So when people make comments that are demeaning and insulting of others, instead of brushing it off and thinking 'you idiot', actually calling them out and saying no that’s not part of our values."
Both agree that it is important to maintain the momentum of togetherness and support.
"It’s important that we make sure we remember it and not forget it… … and we continue with that amazing support that has been poured out from all over New Zealand," Mr Kashkari says.
On Friday a remembrance service, Ko Tātou, Tātou - We Are One, will be held in North Hagley Park, Christchurch starting at 10am, jointly led by the city of Christchurch, the Government of New Zealand, Ngāi Tahu and the Muslim community.
As official broadcaster, TVNZ will provide live uninterrupted coverage of the Christchurch event in full on TVNZ1, OnDemand and 1 NEWS Now.
In Auckland on Friday Eden Park will host an afternoon of prayers, songs and remembrance for the victims of the Christchurch attack.
The prayers start at 1:15pm and the main remembrance service begins at 2:15pm.
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