Taranaki rallies to show support
New Plymouth marathon runner Allan Gu has decided to use his feet to support Christchurch.
On Sunday, Gu will run 1 kilometre for every person killed in the Christchurch mosque shootings. Starting at 8am at Hickford Park, Bell Block, he will run to the Wind Wand and back until he reaches 50km.
He has invited the community to join him, for all or part of the way, to honour the victims’ memory and fundraise for the Victim Support Givealittle page.
‘‘I just want to show people we’re all together as a nation, and we know the shooting can’t destroy New Zealand,’’ he said.
His fundraiser is one of several events and vigils being held across Taranaki in support of a grieving Christchurch.
Temporary memorials for people to leave flowers and messages of support have also been set up in New Plymouth and Ha¯ wera.
Geetha Kutty, co-ordinator for Migrant Connections Taranaki, said several groups, including the Muslim Association and the New Plymouth District Council, had come together to organise a candlelight vigil for Friday. It will take place at the Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth at 7pm.
She said the migrant community had been overwhelmed by support, and felt that while racism did exist, the shootings were the act of one person.
‘‘We can’t generalise that New Zealand is like that. New Zealand is a very welcoming country. ‘‘This is what migrants see.’’ Another candlelight vigil had also been planned at Puke Ariki on Friday evening at 7pm. On Sunday, the Mayfair bar and restaurant will hold a family day to raise funds from 12 noon – 3pm.
A police reassurance patrol was outside New Plymouth’s Islamic Centre yesterday afternoon, where dozens of flowers and other gifts had been placed.
‘‘We are all one family,’’ one tribute said.
Schools are also getting involved, with Sacred Heart Girls’ College holding a day of prayer and solidarity and planning mission activities.
Opunake High School is holding several events, including a red-and-black mufti day on Friday, with gold coin donations going to the victims.
In South Taranaki, a karakia was held at Ha¯ wera High School yesterday to support the Muslim community, with 50 white balloons tied to the gate.
South Taranaki mayor Ross Dunlop said the tragedy had to be kept in context.
‘‘This was one crazy person. It is not New Zealand as we know it; it certainly is not Taranaki.
‘‘I believe we will be stronger, we will come together and we will be more tolerant. We will be family and we will love our Muslim community far more strongly than we did in the past.’’
Imam Ali Butt from the Ha¯wera Islamic Centre said he wanted to thank the community from the bottom of his heart.
‘‘This is not New Zealand, what has happened.
‘‘All of New Zealand are with us. That’s why we moved to New Zealand, to have a safe and happy life.’’