Auckland Council and the NZ Muslim Association has invited Aucklanders to come together at Eden Park on Sunday, March 15 to mark the 12 months since the Christchurch mosque attacks.
Kotahitanga – Stronger Together is Auckland’s unique remembrance event and will run in conjunction with the National Remembrance Service being held in Christchurch.
The local Muslim whanau will host an afternoon of activities at Eden Park’s No. 2 ground to further strengthen the bonds we created after the devastating attacks in Christchurch 12 months ago.
“Gates will open at 2 pm when some of our local Muslim leaders and Imams (priests) will host a series of ‘Ask Us’ sessions. These sessions are intended for the wider community to interact with our Muslim brothers and sisters, share information and find out more about the Muslim culture and faith,” Syed Mujeeb from New Zealand Muslim Association said.
Mayor Phil Goff said the event was an opportunity for all Aucklanders to take a moment to reflect on events of 12 months ago while also looking ahead to ensure a future where our city continues to be a home to people of all faiths, cultures and ethnicities.
“Auckland is a proudly multicultural and multifaith city, where everyone is free to follow the faith of their choosing and to be proud of their culture and heritage,” he says.
“While the events of 12 months ago were devastating, we found in the reaction to them a sense of hope in the outpouring of support from Kiwis of all walks of life for the victims and for our Muslim communities.
“This event is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to multiculturalism, diversity and mutual respect between all peoples, and to say strongly that the hateful ideologies of the Christchurch terrorist will never have a place in our city or our nation.”
NZ Muslim Association President, Ikhlaq Kashkari said the scars of Christchurch will never fully heal however the Kiwi Muslim community is keen to focus on a better future.
“It is important for our community that we continue to look ahead after the atrocities of Christchurch. While this event will provide a chance for many to reflect, it is also an opportunity for us to further strengthen the bonds we made after Christchurch and remind ourselves of the importance of this togetherness.
“We know that there are still barriers to be broken down so we actively encourage our friends and neighbours across Auckland to join us on Sunday 15 March to share stories and build new relationships.”
The Eden Park event will cross live to the national remembrance service from Hagley Park in Christchurch at 3 p.m. It will be followed by Auckland’s own remembrance activities including performances by local Maori and Muslim youth groups, well known entertainers and guest speakers from our parliamentary, emergency service and faith communities.
Families are encouraged to bring their children as food and entertainment will be available throughout the afternoon.
2 PM: Gates Open – Ask Us sessions – information sharing with our Muslim whanau
3 PM: Live cross to the national remembrance service in Christchurch on the giant screen
4:30 PM: Stronger Together – Auckland’s Remembrance Event for Christchurch commences
5:30 PM: Event concludes
The entry to the event is only through Gate K at Eden Park at the Reimers Road end of the ground.
(Stills from Memorial Day event in March 2019)
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