$3m for March 15 terror attack victims

The Government has set aside more than $3 million to support victims of the March 15 Christchurch terror attack.

Budget 2020 included two initiatives to help more than 1000 people who were victims of the mosque shootings.

A total of $1 million has been made available through the Provision of Effective Victim Services for Victims of the 15 March Terrorist Attacks-initiative. This will be used to boost resources to Victim Support to ensure it can provide practical, emotional and financial support to the victims of the attacks.

Another $2m was made available through the Victim Assistance Scheme for 2020-21.

A spokeswoman for Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Dr Megan Woods said the scheme covers counselling for families of homicide victims, and provides financial assistance for victims.

‘‘The funding will ensure the victims of the March 15 terror attacks receive the same level of support that all victims of serious crime in New Zealand can expect.

‘‘It will assist the victims of the terror attacks to have the practical and emotional support they need to be able to engage with the justice process without being disadvantaged financially,’’ she said.

Ministry of Justice chief operating officer Carl Crafar said the funding will primarily provide support in the form of grants, administered by Victim Support, including access to trauma counselling and supporting victims to continue to engage with the criminal justice system.

Additional funding was allocated in the Budget to move the Public Defence Service out of the Christchurch’s justice and emergency services precinct.

Crafar said the Ministry of Justice leased premises in Christchurch in 2019 to relieve pressure on registry workspace and accommodate 50 to 60 extra staff.

More workstations had been needed because of the creation of the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal, additional resources associated with Family Violence and Youth legislation changes, and other administrative roles.

Crafar said a dedicated team of court victim advisers had also been put in place to support the victims of the March 15 attack while the man responsible for the shootings went through the justice process.

After the mosque shooter’s unexpected guilty pleas in March this year, a trial will no longer take place.

The terrorist pleaded guilty to 51 charges of murder, 40 charges of attempted murder and a charge of engaging in a terrorist act.

A date for his sentencing is expected to be set on June 2.

Two initiatives will help more than 1000 people.