‘We’re with you’

Messages of support sent to Christchurch

As news of the mass shooting of members of Christchurch’s Muslim community broke around the country on Friday and the weekend, churches and Marae around Central Hawke’s Bay opened their doors to people who wished to gather, grieve and show their solidarity with the citizens of Christchurch.

On Sunday evening more than 300 people gathered around Waipukurau’s “Green Patch” in a public show of support facilitated by the CHB District Council, St Andrew’s Ministries and Epic Ministries.

There were karakia and prayers, singing, tears and hugs. Dr Roger Maaka said at an earlier gathering at Rakautatahi Marae two messages came across strongly.

“First, in memory of all those killed on Friday we as a nation and as a community need to seek tolerance. Also, while this is the most horrible incident in our nation’s living memory we must not allow this to break us apart. We need to take this time to come together.”

CHB mayor Alex Walker said as we think about the 50 people who lost their lives and the 50 who are injured, whose families will now be different forever, we must come together and say “This is not us. These people are our people and we stand together.

“As mayor it is close to my heart that I hold the citizenship ceremonies for our new citizens. These people with their different coloured strands weave together to make the fabric of our community. Let’s reach out and make that fabric stronger.

“Diversity is who we are. Unity gives us strength.”

The crowd of more than 300 were in silence as prayers were said for the bereaved.

People flocked to add their signatures to a message of support to be sent to Christchurch.

A collection on the evening will be matched from the CHB Mayoral Fund.