Kotahitanga | Together
Auckland’s remembrance for Christchurch
Friday 29 March | Eden Park, Kingsland
Around 2,000 Aucklanders came together at Eden Park on Friday 29 March in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Christchurch mosques attack.
Auckland’s Muslim community encouraged Muslims to perform their Jummah (Friday) prayers at Eden Park in a show of solidarity, and Aucklanders took part in prayers and remembrance activities at Eden Park to honour the 50 victims of the Christchurch mosques attack.
The afternoon's line-up included Dave Dobbyn, Lizzie Marvelly and children from Islamic schools across Auckland singing the national anthem, and a haka and waiata from children of Kowhai Intermediate.
New Zealand's best-known Muslim rugby player, Sonny Bill Williams, was among guest speakers, and the event MC was broadcaster Miriama Kamo.
An occasion for all Aucklanders
Speaking ahead of the event on Friday, Mayor Phil Goff invited all Aucklanders to attend to remember those who tragically lost their lives in New Zealand’s worst terror attack.
“I encourage all Aucklanders to come together on Friday to show our support for the Muslim community and the people of Christchurch, and to reaffirm our belief in a multi-cultural and multi-faith city and nation,” he said.
“This will undoubtedly be a poignant occasion and time for reflection as a nation, and the council will be working hard over the coming days to finalise a detailed programme for the event which reflects this.”
FIANZ President Br. Mustafa Farouk said "The devastation our community has felt has been countered by the love, compassion and support from New Zealanders and from people all around the world. We thank you for standing with us and we look forward to coming together with you again on Friday.”
Photos from Eden Park
Call to prayer at Kotahitanga Together - Auckland's remembrance for Christchurch
National Remembrance Service | Christchurch, 10am
In Christchurch, the National Remembrance Service began at 10am in Hagley Park and was broadcast live.
Need help?
If you’ve been affected by the Christchurch tragedy, our colleagues in the health and government sector are available to help.
To speak to a trained counsellor, free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. This service is completely free. Visit the 1737 website for more information.
Visit the Ministry for Social Development website or phone the Government Helpline on 0800 779 997. This line is available Monday to Friday, between 7am and 6pm, and Saturday, between 8am and 1pm.
