Wellington.Scoop

This evening’s public vigil in the wake of the Christchurch terrorist attack was moved to the Basin Reserve, after indications overnight that the large numbers intending to attend would cause capacity problems at Te Ngākau Civic Square – the original intended venue.

Queues in line to enter the vigil pic.twitter.com/ELdHPjvNmu — Jordan Carter (@jordantcarter) March 17, 2019

“We must stamp out hate because while not all hate leads to violence, all violence starts with hate,”

Justin Lester, Mayor of Wellington addresses thousands of Wellingtonians today. #Vigil #ChristchurchMosque pic.twitter.com/Gtk3JwVlPP — Fleur Fitzsimons (@FleurFitzsimons) March 17, 2019

“The Basin Reserve has become available overnight – it has more than enough room for everyone wanting to attend,” said Mayor Justin Lester. He said the vigil would give Wellingtonians the opportunity to show their support for the victims and their families, our Muslim community and all citizens of Christchurch.

The council said that 11,000 people attended the vigil.

Phenomenal aroha and togetherness at the Wellington vigil for the victims of those despicable acts in Christchurch on Friday. As light vanquishes darkness, so love will triumph over hate. pic.twitter.com/So7NiucgFX — Brett Hudson (@bhudson_nz) March 17, 2019

A magnificent turnout here for the Wellington Vigil for Christchurch. #wgtnvigil #ChristchurchShootings pic.twitter.com/7dHX8Xel3V — Basin Reserve (@BasinReserve) March 17, 2019

#nzso will join our @OrchestraWLG colleagues to perform tonight from 5.30pm at the Wellington Vigil at the Basin Reserve to pay respects and show support for our fellow New Zealanders. — NZSO (@NZSO) March 16, 2019

The event was organised by the Wellington City Council in partnership with the Wellington Interfaith Council, the Wellington Multicultural Council and ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum.

We are privileged to be a part of the Wellington vigil to both honor and stand alongside the New Zealand Muslim community and the people of Christchurch.

Sunday 6pm, Te Ngākau Civic Square https://t.co/vrx1D57reI pic.twitter.com/zrqiYdEyqn — Orchestra Wellington (@OrchestraWLG) March 16, 2019

Earlier News from Human Rights Commission

A Wellington Vigil will be held on Sunday at 6pm hosted by the Wellington City Council, the Wellington Interfaith Community, and Changemakers. ‪We will be showing Wellington’s support for the victims and their families, our Muslim community and all citizens of Christchurch.‬ Organisers are asking that people wear something white to the vigil.

Death toll rises to 50

A moving ceremony in a packed Basin Reserve. Audience applauded statements challenging racial stereotyping and divisive language. Loud applause for "I am a Muslim; I am a New Zealander" https://t.co/9okH2A4aVT — Chris Calvi-Freeman (@ChrisCalviFree) March 17, 2019

News from Changemakers’ Refugee Forum

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved in the tragic events in Christchurch yesterday. To all of our refugee background communities: you are welcome here, you belong here, and you are New Zealanders. We stand together as one to condemn this heartbreaking attack – it has no place in New Zealand.

Community groups in Wellington have come together to organise a vigil for those who have lost their lives. Please arrive from 5:30 pm for a 6:00 pm start.

We encourage any of our community members in Wellington who need support to get in touch with us. Feel free to come into our office on Monday morning from 9:00 am (Level 4, 39 Webb Street), or to contact Lexy on 027 552 5881.