Photo by Mio Monasch

Kotajarvi and Monasch both visited New Zealand for the first time in January for a photography project, experiencing the country’s warm culture and welcoming people first-hand.

After hearing about the shooting, Kotajarvi said he was especially struck by how violent event was in contrast with the sense of inclusivity he felt when visiting the country.

Chris Poplawski, one of the artists featured in the Prints for Good shop, also found it difficult to imagine that such a horrible event could happen in New Zealand. Poplawski visited the country on a photography trip with his girlfriend.

“The people in New Zealand are truly one-of-a-kind. A vicious hate crime is far from something you’d expect to hit their country.”