They Are Us

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has opened an official book of condolences for the victims of the Christchurch attacks with the words "they are us".

Ms Ardern's message read, "On behalf of all New Zealanders we grieve, together we are one, they are us".  The book has been opened at Parliament with another available at the National Library.

The Ministry of Education is ensuring there will be extra support for anyone who needs it as schools in Christchurch reopen after the mosque terror attacks.  

• A memorial service will be held the Napier Soundshell on Marine Parade at 1pm on Monday, 18 March.
• Hastings will also have one at the same time at the Hastings City Centre Clocktower.
• In Auckland, St Matthew's on the corner of Wellesley and Hobson Streets is is hosting an event from 5-8pm on Monday 18 March.
• The Queenstown Lakes District Council will host candlelight vigils in Queenstown and Wanaka from 6pm Monday 18 March.
• A vigil will be held at Cathedral Square in Christchurch at 8.30pm on Thursday, 21 March.
• Amnesty International's Otago University branch is holding a vigil from 7pm on Thursday 21 March at the Octagon.
• The Jummah Remembrance: Vigil for Lives Taken in Christchurch will be held at Aotea Square in Auckland at 6pm on Friday, 22 March.
• An anti-Islamophobia rally, Kia Kaha Aotearoa: Stand Against Racism, will be held at Aotea Square in Auckland at 2pm on Sunday, 24 March.