1 NEWS' live updates after 49 people were killed in a terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch yesterday.

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7:45pm: This concludes today's live updates. Continue to check the 1 NEWS NOW site for the latest news on the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Today's key points: There are 49 people dead, 41 at Deans Ave mosque, seven at the Linwood mosque and one in hospital.

Accused Brenton Tarrant appeared in court today charged with murder.

There were 48 people admitted with gunshot wounds being treated at Christchurch Hospital.

One four-year-old girl is at Auckland's Starship Hospital.

All injured people have been identified with police working on identifying those that are dead.

There are 36 patients still in hospital, six are children, seven have been discharged.

Eleven people are in ICU, two are children (one is two, the other is 13), one was a female.

People inside the mosques were from Pakistan, Syria, Bangladesh, Jordan, India, Turkey, Afghanistan, Indonesia.

7:40pm:

7:35pm: As the sun sets hundreds have gathered on the beach at Mount Maunganui, Tauranga.

Mourners gather for a vigil at Mount Maunganui Beach. Source: 1 NEWS

At least 300 people are there for the vigil and the crowd continues to grow according to 1 NEWS reporter Sam Kelway.

7:10pm: The Victims Support Givealittle page has rocketed past $2 million.

6:36pm: The lockdown at Hawke’s Bay Hospital has now been lifted.

Police were called about 3.15pm following a report of a threat at the hospital.

Police say "Following extensive inquiries at the hospital and in the surrounding areas, it has been determined there is no threat to hospital staff or the public."

6:35pm: Kiwis of all races and religions have come together to mourn after the attacks today.

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6:30pm: John Campbell has been talking to survivors and their families in Christchurch today.

6:05pm: Labour MP David Parker said at the Auckland vigil that the Prime Minister has announced there will be a ban on semi-automatic weapons.

This was met with loud applause and cheering from the crowd.

Shortly after Mr Parker back tracked on his comment, telling RadioNZ "he did not mean to go further than the Prime Minister".

5:50pm: A somber start to the Warriors opening NRL game against the Bulldogs in Auckland with a minutes silence observed.

The Kiwi team is off to a great start, leading 22-0 at half time.

5:40pm: This just in from police: "Police are responding to a report of a threat at Hawke’s Bay Hospital and are working to ascertain the circumstances.



"As a precaution, the hospital has been placed in lockdown."



5:30pm: Jacinda Ardern has talked to 1 NEWS about her visit to Christchurch Hospital saying she spent time in the intensive care unit and meeting health professionals on the front-line of the response.

She met with some family members during this "incredibly distressing time for them" saying "really it was an opportunity to for support and to give them best wishes from all New Zelaanders."



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5:06pm: 1 NEWS reporter Donna-Marie Lever says accused gunman Brenton Tarrant "showed very little emotion" during his court appearance today.

Security was understandably tight for his appearance and police are still outside the court.

4:35pm: A Victim Support Givealittle page has just hit an amazing $1.5 million in donations for those caught up in the attacks.

4:25pm: 1 NEWS is screening special coverage of the Christchurch mosque attacks beginning at 5pm and running until 7pm.

Tune in on TVNZ1, on demand, and live streaming here on 1 NEWS NOW.

4:18pm: Latest update from the Canterbury District Health Board:

"While some people with minor injuries were discharged last night, we are still caring for 36 people in Christchurch Hospital.

"There are 11 people who are critically unwell being looked after in our intensive care unit. In addition, one critically injured child has been transferred to Starship Hospital in Auckland.

"Patients range in age from 2 years to late 60s."



4:15pm: The Christchurch City Council has just announced the Slayer concert at the Horncastle Arena tomorrow night has been cancelled.

"Following advice from the Police and Christchurch City Council, Vbase has made the decision to cancel the Slayer concert which was due to take place at Horncastle Arena on Sunday 17 March."

4:10pm:

3:50pm: The guns that were used in the shooting appear to have been modified, which the Government will look to address when changing gun laws, Ms Ardern says.

3:47pm: The number of deaths from the attacks hasn't risen this afternoon.

The Prime Minister confirmed there are still 11 people in intensive care.

3:40pm: Ms Ardern has praised the "rural cops from Lincoln" who "put New Zealand first" responding to the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Their quick actions avoided the gunman carrying out more attacks she says.

3:36pm: The Prime Minister says the focus is now on, "Ensuring the burial process of loved ones follows custom."

3:35pm: Ms Ardern has said: "Many of you will know that this morning I met with community leaders in Christchurch.

"The discussion acknowledged that this is not the New Zealand any of us know.

"Security from police will continue at mosques throughout New Zealand until we know there isn't a threat."

3:25pm: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is due to address media shortly on the attacks.

3:10pm: Australian police say the family of the suspect in the mosque shootings is helping their investigation.

2:50pm: A brief recap on what we know as day two of the shooting aftermath unfolds:

There are 49 people dead, 41 at Deans Ave mosque, seven at the Linwood mosque and one in hospital.

There were 48 people admitted with gunshot wounds being treated at Christchurch Hospital. One 4-year-old girl is at Auckland's Starship Hospital. Two people in a critical condition.

All injured people have been identified with police working on identifying those that are dead.

There are 39 patients still in hospital, six are children, seven have been discharged. Four people died before arriving

Eleven people are in ICU, two are children (one is two, the other is 13), one was a female.

People inside the mosques were from Pakistan, Syria, Bangladesh, Jordan, India, Turkey, Afghanistan, Indonesia

2:25pm: People are uniting in grief around the nation. In Tauranga flowers have been building up around the gates of a local mosque.

In Auckland, people are gathering in Aotea Square to promote "love, not hate".

1:40pm Of the arrest, Commissioner Bush said: "That person was not willing to be arrested, again I think you've probably seen some of the live video, there was live audio coming back to my command centre in Wellington of that apprehension.

"I can tell you as I was listening to that the person was non-compliant.

"Our staff, who were well equipped, engaged with that person and put themselves in real danger to keep the community safe from further harm."

1:36pm The accused, Brenton Tarrant, was not known to any authorities and had no previous convictions, Commissioner Bush has said.

1:29pm It took police 36 minutes from the time of the call to arresting the accused. Police bosses are pleased with this response time.

1:26pm Commissioner Bush says he has no intelligence about further attacks but police are not assuming anything.

1:24pm Officials from the various agencies have also acknowledged the brave work of staff across the emergency services.

1:20pm Commissioner Bush also thanked the religious leaders who have offered support.

1:18pm He says the priority is public safety with staff employed in Christchurch and across the country in a bid to keep the public safe.