Country unites for remembrance service

Messages of love and unity have rung out from North Hagley Park at a National Remembrance Service to honour to those killed in the Christchurch mosque attacks.

A crowd of about 20,000 to 25,000 joined New Zealand’s political leaders, international dignatories and members of the Muslim community for the 90 minute Ka Tātou, Tātou We Are One National Remembrance Service.

Farid Ahmed, who survived the mosque attacks but lost his wife, waves to the crowd.

In the opening address of the service, Mayor Lianne Dalziel offered sympathy on behalf of the people of Christchurch to all the families who grieved as a result of the killings at the two Christchurch mosques on 15 March.

“You do not grieve alone, we grieve with you,’’ the Mayor said. “What happened here in our city on that day, which was a cowardly attack on our Muslim communities in their places of worship at their time of prayer, was also an attack on us all; on our shared values and on our way of life.’’

Read the Mayor's full speech.

Shaggaf Khan, President of the Muslim Association of Canterbury, used his address to speak of his mixed emotions.He said he felt saddened he could no longer see the beautiful faces of the 50 men, women and children who lived among us 14 days ago. “Although our eyes shed tears and our hearts mourn, we know they are at peace,’’ he said.

He also felt humbled though by the outpouring of grief:  "Out of this darkness much lightness has been spread.''

Farid Ahmed, who was injured in the Al Noor mosque attack and lost his wife, Husna, received a standing ovation from the crowd when he spoke of refusal to feel hatred for the man responsible for the attacks.

He said he did not want a heart that was “boiling like a volcano''. He wanted “a heart that is full of love and care, and full of mercy and will forgive.’’

Dr Mustafa Farouk, Presidents of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, thanked New Zealand for the way it had come together to support the Muslim community.  “No words can express our gratitude for your kindness, your flowers, your tears, and your warm embraces.’’

The names of the 50 men, women and children killed in the mosque attacks were then read out by members of the Muslim community.

Then Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, took to the stage.

“Our hearts go out to the families of those whose lives were snatched away in the evil carnage. May peace be upon them.’’ Yusuf said before performing two of his songs – Peace Train and Don’t Be Shy.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern arriving at the National Remembrance Service.

New Zealand Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy told the crowd the best weapons against the “senseless and vile politics of hate’’, lay within each and every one of them.

“We face a renewed moral challenge to do what we can to foster an inclusive sense of community, where all are treated with decency and respect. Communities where people do not suffer discrimination because of where they come from, their gender, their language, the clothes they wear, or their religious beliefs,’’ she said.

The final address of the service was given by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

"Racism exists, but it is not welcome here,'' the Prime Minister told the crowd. "An assault on the freedom of any one of us who practices their faith or religion, is not welcome here. Violence, and extremism in all its forms, is not welcome here.

"Our challenge now is to make the very best of us, a daily reality. Because we are not immune to the viruses of hate, of fear, of other. We never have been. But we can be the nation that discovers the cure. 

"And so to each of us as we go from here, we have work to do, but do not leave the job of combatting hate to the Government alone. 

"We each hold the power, in our words and in our actions, in our daily acts of kindness. Let that be the legacy of the 15th of March,'' the Prime Minister said.

 As the service drew to a close, the crowd stood as one as Maisey Rika lead them in singing the national anthem. 

A crowd of between 20,000 and 25,000 attended the National Remembrance Service.