"It is a year ago when our peaceful country was subjected to one of the most heinous hate crimes committed not only in New Zealand but in the entire south pacific region. The brutality of the attacked was so vicious that even a four-year-old toddler was not spared by the terrorist. May Allah SWT grant all the martyrs of 15th March a place in the paradise and make the life of the families who have lost their loved ones easier.
"What followed after the attack was something wonderful when the entire country rallied around and provided tremendous support to Muslim communities from the top of Northland to the end of Southland.
"The efforts of our fellow Kiwis who wrapped the Muslim community with love and compassion was something to be seen to be believed. It made the pain more bearable both at an individual and community level.
"NZ Muslim community is ever so grateful for that love and Aroha. There was unanimous support at every level at ethnic, political and religious levels across the country. Our Muslims community also responded most calmly and collectively showing the real meaning of Islam - Peace. We need to nurture that feeling of warmth and compassion towards everyone.
"Year on, while some affected families are coping okay, but a number of families are still struggling. The Prime Minister and her government-provided special dispensation in terms of residency for the widows who were not resident that helped a great deal, but, long-term care, both physical and mental, is going to be challenging. FIANZ continues to play its role of advocacy to support the community.
"We need to reach out to each other with greater zeal and care, so we don't lose the momentum of creating a more cohesive and connected community across Aotearoa.
"We take the opportunity of recognising and thanking NZ Police, Canterbury District Health Board, St John Ambulance, Christchurch City Council, Auckland City Council, Victim Support, Christchurch Foundation, two Gurudwaras in Christchurch, Ngai Tahu and a great many other groups and individuals who helped us on the day and weeks after the attack. We hope and pray that our country will never ever have to go through such a human loss. May God bless New Zealand and have mercy on its people. Long live New Zealand."
Salaam. Peace.
Dr Anwar Ghani MNZM, JP
Chair, National and International Relations Directorate
Federation of Islamic Association of New Zealand (FIANZ)