PM Jacinda Ardern’s message on 1st anniversary of Christchurch Mosque Attacks

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has conveyed her message to the community on the occasion of the 1st anniversary of Christchurch Mosque attacks.

"Things changed in New Zealand on March 15 and so we changed – and that includes the Government acting on gun laws, reviewing hate speech rules, and establishing the Christchurch Call against online terrorism.

"But the main shift that we can achieve as a country will not come from the Government.

"It will only come through the daily actions of all of us in calling out bullying and discrimination and truly demonstrating inclusion.

"A year ago, I said that we each hold the power, in our words and in our actions, in our daily acts of kindness. Let that be the legacy of the 15th of March. One year on, I am repeating that call," PM Jacinda Ardern told The Indian Weekender. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Covid-19 press conference on Saturday, March 14 (Image: Screengrab from One News Live Streaming)

The National Remembrance Service that was scheduled on Sunday, March 15 in Christchurch and Auckland were officially cancelled after concerns of Covid-19 widespread, especially in large gatherings. 

PM  Ardern in a press conference on Saturday asked the people of New Zealand to take major steps to protect New Zealanders from COVID-19. 

• Every person entering New Zealand from anywhere in the world will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, excluding the Pacific[i]. ‘
• These restrictions will all be reviewed in 16 days’ time.
• Existing travel ban retained for China and Iran 
• Cruise ships banned from coming to New Zealand, until at least 30 June 2020
• Strict new health measures at the border for people departing to the Pacific
• A range of measures to assist those in self-isolation to be announced next week 
• Government will work closely with the aviation sector to encourage airlines to remain active in New Zealand, limit impacts on the tourism sector and exporters
• Directive on mass gatherings to be announced early next week