Remembrance services in the North
The government is supporting a national service of remembrance for the victims of the March 15 slayings in Christchurch, and is calling on local councils to stage similar services around the country at 10am on Friday.
Paul James, chief executive of the Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua, said the tragic events of March had affected all communities throughout the country, and the Christchurch service would be telecast to assemblies in Wellington, Auckland and Dunedin.
Details would also be made available to all local authorities so civic leaders could host their own events.
As of yesterday the Far North District Council was planning services in Kerikeri (to be led by Mayor John Carter, Paihia (deputy Mayor Tania McInnes), Russell (Terry Greening), Kawakawa (Cr Kelly Stratford), Waipapa (Cr Dave Hookway), Kaeo (Bruce Mills), Kaitaia (Cr Felicity Foy), Waiharara (Cr Mate Radich), Houhora (Melanie Dalziel), Whatuwhiwhi (Laurie Atkinson), Mangonui (Adele Gardiner), Ahipara (Bronwyn Hunt), Kaikohe (Cr Sally Macauley), Opononi (John Vujcich), Broadwood (Alan Hessell), Okaihau (Mike Edmonds) and Panguru (Emma Davis).
Venues and details of those who would lead, and assist in leading the services, had yet to be confirmed.
Mr James said the national remembrance service would be an important opportunity to bring all New Zealanders together, to demonstrate to the watching world that the actions of March 15 had no part in New Zealand society, to provide the nation with an opportunity to honour those who lost their lives and show solidarity with victims, their families and the Christchurch community.
The department was still working through precise details of the service with civic and community leaders in Christchurch, with a secure portal to be established to keep councils updated and for all parties to share thinking and planning.
Mr Carter said he had advised councillors and staff that iwi and hapu¯ leaders must be informed of what was happening and given information as it came to hand.
Similar contact would be made with all schools in the district, and community groups ranging from emergency services to Federated Farmers.
The council would also buy candles for each service, along with 52 roses, one for each those who had died in the terrorist attack and two more for the mothers of victims who had subsequently suffered fatal heart attacks.