Service will go global
A service to mark the first anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks will be held in North Hagley Park on March 15 and livestreamed for people around the world.
The memorial will begin at 3pm and will honour the 51 people killed during the shootings at Al Noor and Linwood mosques on March 15, 2019.
The full order of service will be released next week but the programme has been put together with input from those most affected by the attacks, including survivors and families of the victims. Students from Burnside and Cashmere high schools will perform music at the service – both schools were heavily affected by the attacks. Cashmere High School lost two students and a past student, and one student from Burnside High School died in the shootings.
People are asked to arrive at the service early and allow plenty of travel time as some roads around North Hagley Park will be closed to traffic and pedestrians.
Those people attending should avoid bringing a bag, and dogs are not permitted, even on a leash.
A hijab, or head covering, is optional for women who attend.
In the interests of sustainability and minimising waste, people who want to leave tributes around the city are asked to make sure they are entirely compostable, with flowers left unwrapped and any ties or attachments able to be composted.
The service will be moved to Horncastle Arena in the event of bad weather.
Information on how to get to the service and road closures will be updated in coming days on the Christchurch City Council’s website.