New Zealand united “in our grief"

Christchurch Mosque

The unprecedented terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, a coastal city of around 400,000 people on New Zealand's South Island, in which at least 49 people died, have left a peaceful nation reeling.

New Zealanders have been leaving tributes to the victims of Friday's terrorist attacks near the Christchurch Botanical gardens, close to the Al Noor mosque.

Some have left flowers, while other have written on the pavement in colored chalk.

"From the depths of our hearts, we are sorry," one message said.

"We all are one, we all are with you," one heart-shaped card said.

"This is not New Zealand," another large message read.

 

New Zeland PM Jacinda Ardern
New Zeland PM Jacinda Ardern

New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern has visited a Christchurch refugee centre to deliver a message of unity to the country's Islamic community, reported CNN.

"You were quick to mention this is not the New Zealand that you know. I want to reaffirm that today. This is not New Zealand," she told Muslim leaders.

Ardern has already announced that there will be changes to the country's gun laws in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque shootings which killed 49 people.

One of the Australia's most recognizable landmarks, the Sydney Opera House, will display the New Zealand silver fern on Saturday night to remember the Christchurch victims.

NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the show of respect on her official Twitter account, saying it was a "symbol of solidarity, support and respect."