Christchurch Hosts Awareness Week in 3rd Anniversary of Mosque Attack

Remembering the victims of Christchurch mosque attacks, New Zealand local government will host a series of awareness and unity events to build on the sense of unity that emerged in New Zealand after the 2019 terrorist attacks.

The decision to host these events followed consultations with the bereaved families of the victims who said they prefer no public remembrance service this year.

“In consultation with the bereaved families and survivors, national remembrance services were held in 2019 and 2021… This year, the families and survivors have told us they no longer want this type of event,” Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel told Otago Daily Times.

Dalziel said it is important to respect the wishes of those most affected by the tragedy.

“As a council we will wholeheartedly support the events and initiatives that the bereaved families and injured or traumatized survivors have created, and we hope all city residents will do so as well,” Dalziel said.

Awareness Week

As part of the events held to mark the third anniversary, the Islamic Awareness Week will run from March 7 to 13.

The event is organized by the 15th March Whanau Trust, in collaboration with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, the Muslim Association of Canterbury and others, Islamic Awareness Week will include a keynote lecture, an Islamic Art and Calligraphy exhibition and giveaways across the city.

A Unity Week will also be held in Christchurch from March 15 to 22. A football tournament and an emerging ethnic leaders’ breakfast will also be coordinated by the Sakinah Community Trust.

Three years have passed since the grim massacre of 51 Muslims in New Zealand’s Christchurch which shook the worldwide.

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Canterbury Region.

It is also home to 404,500 residents, making it New Zealand’s 3^rd most populous city behind Auckland and Wellington.