Remembrances are taking place in Christchurch today to mark the seventh anniversary and honour the victims of the 2019 terror attacks.
Fifty-one people were killed and 40 others were injured at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on March 15, 2019 in New Zealand's deadliest ever mass shooting.
Commemorations today included a walk-the-talk-for-unity event at the Bridge of Remembrance and a ride-for-unity event around the botanic gardens organised Sakinah Community Trust, an organisation founded by a number of the widows.
A service at the Peace Bell in the botanic gardens began with a minute's silence, followed by the names of the 51 victims and concluded with a laying of wreaths.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said: "This civic memorial is a moment for us to come together as one community. We remember those who lost their lives, stand with their families, and recommit ourselves to building a city where everyone feels they belong."
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to victims in a post shared to social media, commemorating New Zealand for showing "strength, compassion and unity" following the tragedy.
"Today we remember the 51 people who were killed in the Christchurch attacks, and we think of the families, friends, and communities who still live with that loss," Luxon said.
"Seven years ago, Christchurch, and New Zealand, showed the world strength, compassion and unity in the face of tragedy.
"We honour those who were taken from us by continuing to build a country where everyone can live in peace and safety."
In a statement released today, The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) said the attacks were a time of "national unity and aroha".
"History will record that the evil which sought to divide a nation with hateful semi-automatic weapons only succeeded to unite New Zealanders in a way that has never happened before," it said.
"Kiwis from all corners of the country and of all backgrounds opened their hearts, showered our sacred places with flowers, sent messages of compassion and shed tears and offered prayers for a nation in mourning,"
"This was time of national unity. This was a time of aroha. This was also the start of the healing process"
SHARE ME