The book of condolence in its peaceful spot at Pātaka Gallery + Museum
Porirua City is standing as one to honour the people tragically killed at two Christchurch Mosque’s on 15 March.
Porirua City Mayor Mike Tana said from schools and colleges to Ngāti Toa Rangatira, the Porirua Community was united in its desire to pay tribute to the innocent lives taken in Christchurch.
“As a city we want to send a message to the families of those who lost their lives in Christchurch that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
“People from across our diverse community, who feel a strong common connection with the Muslim community in Christchurch, want to let our Muslim brothers and sister know we are with them.
“In one voice that resonates across New Zealand we also want to send a clear message that hatred and racism have no place in our city, in our region, or in our country.”
Tana said Porirua colleges will be laying a memorial wreath at the Islamic Centre, Porirua Mosque in Waitangirua, at 2pm today.
All schools in Kapiti and all secondary schools in Porirua would be holding a synchronized Haka at 1.40pm on Friday, 22 March.
Tana said Kapiti Mayor K Gurunathan had originated the idea of the coordinated Haka, and had felt it was right to ask Porirua to take part.
Porirua primary schools were also in the process of finalising their participation.
Tana said the Haka was a chance for schools across New Zealand to unite against hatred and racism.
A book of condolence was placed in the central Spine at Pātaka Gallery + Museum on Tuesday afternoon.
Books of condolence will also be placed in our libraries at Whitby and Cannons Creek in the coming days.
Porirua City will also play its part in the National Day of Condolence once the date has been confirmed.
Pātaka Director Reuben Friend said given its place as a hub for the Porirua community, made the museum and gallery a fitting place for the first book of condolence to be placed.
“The horrific events in Christchurch have felt very close to home here in Porirua.
“We are a diverse, multi-ethnic community of made up of people from across the world.
“As an organization we here at Porirua City Council feel it is only right that we give our city a way to remember the innocent people whose lives were so cruelly taken.”
Friend said the book would be placed in under the permanent artwork Nexus by artist Shannon Novak.
19 Mar 2019
