Security measures have been increased for the Jewish community across New Zealand after the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, Australia.
Fifteen innocent people died and dozens were injured after two gunmen opened fire on the beach where a large group was gathered for a Hanukkah celebration called Chanukah by the Sea on Sunday evening.
Major cities around the world like London, Berlin and New York are stepping up security for Hannukah events after the attack.
Follow 1News' live updates of developments following the horrific attack here
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told RNZ police are meeting Jewish community leaders to give extra reassurances around security and patrols.
A police car could be seen stationed outside a Wellington synagogue on Monday morning.
Luxon said he had contacted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to offer support and condolences.
"These were shocking and appalling images we saw last night; I was sickened as I watched it. Our thoughts go straight to the people who have lost their lives or their loved ones, or been injured. But also our thoughts go to the Jewish community in Australia, but also here and around the world.
"There is no indication of any New Zealanders caught up in the attack. Obviously, many of us know that area very well and there's a lot of Kiwis in that area."
Luxon said the government has been funding security upgrades at Jewish and Muslim places of worship in New Zealand from the Prime Minister's Emerging Priorities fund since late 2024. He said the government had also been part of inter-faith dialogues with different faith groups to offer support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is not aware of any New Zealanders involved in the fatal shooting.
It said the New Zealand High Commission and Consulate staff are safe and are urgently working to seek more information from authorities.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand is shocked and distressed by what he says was a vile terrorist attack.
"Our deepest condolences are with all those who have lost loved ones," Peters said on social media.
"We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Australia, New Zealand and around the world.
"Terrorism, antisemitism and hate have no place in our societies."
Christopher Luxon said there was "no space for terrorism, anti-Semitism, or hate in this country or anywhere else for that matter". (Source: Breakfast)
Sickened but not surprised
New Zealand Jewish Council president Juliet Moses told Morning Report she had seen a normalisation of antisemitism and incitement of violence around the world, including in New Zealand and Australia.
"We are sickened, shocked... but not completely surprised."
Moses said they have had amazing support already from police and the government.
"They are taking it very seriously. I know they are looking at the general threat level and security environment, and they have reassured us they are doing everything they can to keep us safe."
She said there would be many of the New Zealand Jewish community who know people who were caught up in this tragedy.
"This will absolutely cause people, more so than before, to question what their future is in Australia for Jewish people."
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a terror attack in Bondi and the hero bystander who took on one of the gunmen. (Source: 1News)
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