Where and when is the event in Wellington?

Date: Friday 29 March

Venue: Waitangi Park, Wellington waterfront

Gates open: 8.30am

Service start time: 9.30am, with live broadcast from Christchurch on a giant screen starting at 10am

End time 11am (est).

View map of site here (PDF 1.34MB)

At Waitangi Park the Christchurch National Remembrance Service will be opened by the Wellington Orchestra with the Pacifica Choir. There will be prayer and Mayor Justin Lester will speak before the broadcast starts.

The Mayor urges Wellingtonians to come together at Waitangi Park to show their support for the New Zealand Muslim community and the people of Christchurch. “This is our chance to show we are a genuinely diverse capital city and region and that we embrace all faiths and cultures.”

Access and crowd safety

There will be temporary security fencing around the site. There will be only one entrance point – via the Barnett Street car park beside Te Papa, where the Sunday Harbourside Markets are usually located.

There will be a disability drop-off zone on both sides of Chaffers Street, as well as an accessible entrance for wheelchairs as per map (PDF 1.34MB). This is drop-off only, there is no parking.

Police and security services will be present during the event. There will be bag checks at the entry point. Please plan for extra time to get into the venue and consider leaving your bag at home or in the office to avoid delays when entering.

What if it’s raining or the weather is bad?

The service will go ahead whatever the weather so please dress for the conditions. No rain is forecast for Friday.

Can I bring fold-out chairs?

No, space is limited so it’s standing only.

Where can I park?

This is a walk-in event and there will be no parking. People are encouraged to walk along the waterfront to the event in order to avoid congestion.

Will there be free parking in the CBD for the event?

No - normal parking rules and times will apply. We are encouraging the public to walk to Waitangi Park.

Will there be extra buses or trains?

No. Please check timetables at Metlink https://www.metlink.org.nz/ if you are planning to use public transport on the day.

Can I bring my dog?

Pets should be left at home. We’re expecting a large crowd. Only registered service dogs will be admitted.

Warning for motorists

A big crowd is expected at Waitangi Park. Motorists are urged to take care on surrounding streets before and after the event and to use alternative routes if they want to avoid delays.