Christchurch Event

Let a Thousand Haka Resound Against the Attack

Joint statement by Mayor K Gurunathan and Mayor Mike Tana 19th March 2019 

This Friday at 1.40pm, the exact time a week ago, when the attacker opened fire on the innocent in Christchurch, school groups on the Kapiti Coast and Porirua will respond with a simultaneous Haka. The three main colleges in Kapiti (Otaki College, Paraparaumu College, Kapiti College) have committed to this synchronised unified response. A call has gone out to primary schools to join us.   

Let those taking part observe a minute of silence at 1.39pm in respect of those killed, their families and the people of Christchurch. And then deliver a resounding haka in defiance of everything the attack stands for. We will not be terrorised. We urge those participating to livestream, record and upload their haka videos online. 

"As a migrant who has found a home here, I know that there can be no other response as powerful and deep seated in the NZ psyche than the haka which has the ability to unite all Kiwis" says Mayor K Gurunathan. 

Mayor Mike Tana said Porirua was a diverse and inclusive City. "We stand with all our communities to support Christchurch. Unity will show strength and the way forward. We are particularly proud that our young people wish to be part of this unified response to such a horrendous event," he added. 

We are asking other mayors to join us. We appeal to the media to help us reach as many as possible. 

The brutal merciless killing has shocked and numbed the nation. We enter a time of deep reflection gathering in small and large groups to convey our heartfelt grief and pain to the families of the victims and to the Muslim community at large for what has happened. As New Zealanders we are shocked that this has happened in our country. 

But, as our Prime Rt. Hon Minister Jacinda Ardern had quickly and correctly observed, the attacker's social media postings showed he had deliberately chosen New Zealand to prove that even a nation like Aotearoa New Zealand, far from the international turmoil of war and terror, cannot escape this global evil. It's a calculated strategy to attack our strength as a largely tolerant, peaceful society of diverse communities.

We cannot allow that to happen. There is a season for all things. Today is a season for deep reflection. Of standing together as families, neighbours, communities and as a nation in support of the victims and their families, and each other. There is also a season for defiance. A defiance that is growing. A defiance that says: 

WE ARE KIWIS

WE ARE ONE

WE ARE NEW ZEALANDERS

WE WILL NOT BE TERRORISED.

 As Mayors of Porirua and Kapiti Coast, we call on other Mayors and their communities to respond similarly. Let a thousand haka resound across the country with this message.

ENDS

Support for the people of Christchurch

In response to Friday’s tragic events in Christchurch, the Kāpiti Coast District Council will place condolence books in the District’s libraries for people to leave messages of support and sympathy for those affected by the Christchurch mosque shootings.  

Mayor K Gurunathan said condolence books will be available in the Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae pop up and Ōtaki libraries from tomorrow, Tuesday 19 March, until Wednesday 27 March for people to sign during library open hours. 

“At a time like this it’s humbling to see our community coming together and rallying round to support the families of those who so tragically lost their lives in Christchurch on Friday. 

“Kindness and solidarity will help get us through this and we shouldn’t let Friday’s barbaric attack define us as a community or a nation.” 

Mayor Gurunathan said a number of people have been asking after where they can leave flowers affected by Friday’s tragic events.  

While there’s no official site the following locations have been self-identified by the community; the ‘peace pole’ in Paekākāriki, outside the Ōtaki Memorial Hall in Ōtaki, outside the Waikanae Memorial Hall in Waikanae and by the KiwiRiders sculpture off Marine Parade in Paraparaumu Beach. 

Donations to support the families and friends most affected by Friday’s tragedy can be made by visiting givealittle or LaunchGood.  

For more information about how you can show your support for the people of Christchurch visit www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/whats-on/News/2019/support-for-the-people-of-christchurch/

-KCDC