9.28pm - Police are informing people they can register missing persons, or register themselves as alive on the Restoring Family Links (RFL) website

Police have requested the Red Cross activate the website following the shooting.

New Zealanders can also register missing persons on 0800 115 019.

9.20pm - Those affected by this tragedy are advised by police to call 0800 115 019

9.03pm - Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirms that the death toll has risen to 49, and a man in his late twenties has been charged with murder.

There have been no other threats since the police response to Christchurch.

Three others have been arrested and two had firearms on them. Police are still working to establish their connection to the suspect charged with murder.

Previously it was thought two Improvised Explosive Devices had been found on two vehicles, but Bush has now confirmed it was two IEDs on one vehicle. One has been disabled and police were in the process of disabling another.

8.58pm - Bryan Adams has cancelled his Sunday concert in Christchurch.

"Like the rest of New Zealand, we are appalled by today's events and our thoughts and well wishes go out to all those affected," said Neptune Entertainment Director Toby Burrows.

8.53pm - Robert Pattman, Otago University's professor of international relations, says the attacks are a "stark reminder" that we are not immune to terrorism.

"We have seen some disturbing international trends over the past few years and this reflects those trends - a rise in Islamaphobia, of nationalist populism and intolerance," he warned.

"What we don't want is for this atrocity to achieve what the perpetrators hope, which is backlash from the victim which will create a growing spiral of hate."

8.40pm - Ahmadiyya Muslim Community thanks police for their response to the attack and ensuring mosques around the country are safe.

"We have been inundated with messages of love and support. Members of Parliament, dignitaries, the media, Christians, Jews, and people from all backgrounds," National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mr Bashir Khan said.

"At such times it is important to stand united and stand against all forms of extremism."

8.35pm - The Government has confirmed that this is the first time in New Zealand history terror level has been lifted from low to "high".



8.33pm - The suspect's former boss, Tracey Grey, told Newshub she was shocked.

"I am completely shocked, he never showed any extremist views or crazy behaviour. I have family in Christchurch and I am devastated for them."

Two others in custody were known to the suspect.



8.17pm - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has asked for all flags to be flown at half-mast out of respect for the dead.