New Zealand

National Remembrance Service for victims of Christchurch terrorist attack

March 29, 2019 1:14 pm

Farid Ahmed, one of the survivors of the Christchurch shootings, garnered huge round of applause for his speech [Source: BBC]

Today, New Zealand remembers the 50 victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack.

The National Remembrance Service was held at Hagley Park, with some of the strictest security measures seen in this country for a public event.

Auckland’s Eden Park will host an afternoon service beginning at 2.30pm.

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Family members of victims of the Christchurch shootings attended the event [Sourc: BBC]

Speaking in Christchurch were Muslim leaders Shaggaf Khan and Mustafa Farouk, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy, and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

Farid Ahmed, whose wife Husna Ahmed was killed in Al Noor Mosque, also spoke at the event.

British singer Yusuf Islam, previously known as Cat Stevens, was the biggest musical drawcard. Local performers

Marlon Williams, Hollie Smith, Teeks and Maisey Rika also performed.

Ardern said the focus should be on the Muslim community and the service would reflect that.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and leader of the opposition Bill Shorten would both attended the service.

It’s believed another 59 countries were represented at the service, along with many heads of state from the Pacific community.

The names of each of the 50 victims of the terrorist attack were read by members of the Muslim community.

The service was jointly led by the Government, the City of Christchurch, Ngāi Tahu and the Muslim community.