Yusuf/Cat Stevens to sing at National Remembrance Service

Yusuf/Cat Stevens and Marlon Williams are among the artists who will perform at a National Remembrance Service for the victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks and all those affected by them.

The remembrance service, Ko Tātou, Tātou We Are One, will be held in North Hagley Park, starting at 10am on Friday, 29 March.

Yusuf/Cat Stevens will perform at the National Remembrance Service.

The service is being jointly led by the city of Christchurch, the New Zealand Government, Ngāi Tahu and the Muslim community. It will be broadcast at simultaneous events in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, and in regional towns throughout New Zealand.

It will also be live streamed for people to view worldwide.

Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Marlon Williams, Maisey Rika, Hollie Smith and Teeks are among the artists who will take to the stage during the service.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says Friday will be an opportunity for people across New Zealand and around the world to come together with their communities.

“The outpouring of love and support shown to our Muslim brothers and sisters has been heartfelt and it has been received in the spirit in which it has been offered.

“It is in coming together as one, standing shoulder to shoulder, that gives expression to this unity and that’s what will see us through,’’ the Mayor says.

Ūpoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri Dr Te Maire Tau says the remembrance service is an opportunity to show the world that we are one community and that our identities are forever woven together.

“Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu have discovered a common identity and sharing of values with our Muslim brothers and sisters in the wake of this tragedy, and this has provided a resounding sense of unity that we can all find strength in,’’ Dr Tau says.

People planning on attending the National Remembrance Service will need to allow plenty of time to travel to the event as large numbers are expected to attend and there will be many road closures around North Hagley Park that will affect both vehicle traffic and pedestrians.

Maps showing the event site, entry points and road closures will be released as soon as possible.

As the service is being held on a week day, parking in Christchurch's central city will be extremely limited. People are strongly advised to take public transport, bike, scooter or walk to North Hagley Park.

People planning to attend the National Remembrance Service should avoid bringing bags with them as they could cause delays in gaining entry to the event.

*The National Remembrance Service will be broadcast live on TVNZ Channel 1. People outside of New Zealand will be able to watch a livestream of the service via the 1 NEWS NOW app.