A formal civic commemoration will be held this month to mark the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks, honouring the 51 lives lost and all who were affected on 15 March 2019.
At the request of the family of the shuhada, Christchurch City Council will host the remembrance service on Sunday, 15 March, at the Peace Bell area in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, beginning at 12pm.
The service will commence with a minute’s silence, followed by a mihi whakatau from mana whenua. The names of the 51 shuhada will be read aloud, each accompanied by the tolling of the Peace Bell. A musical interlude and prayer of remembrance will follow, before the service concludes with a wreath-laying ceremony led by Mayor Phil Mauger.
“While we have been supporting initiatives led by the community, we have also worked with the families to establish a formal commemoration which will be held each year going forward,” Mayor Phil Mauger said.
“This civic memorial is a moment for us to come together as one community. We remember those who lost their lives, stand with their families, and recommit ourselves to building a city where everyone feels they belong.”
On the same day, the Sakinah Community Trust—founded by several widows of the victims—will host the Walk the Talk for Unity, beginning at 10am at the Bridge of Remembrance and concluding at the Peace Bell in time for the commemoration.
Both events are open to all, with the community warmly invited to come together in remembrance, reflection, and unity.
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