Haka, prayer and waiata rang out at an assembly to remember those affected by the Christchurch mosque shootings.
At Al-Madinah School in Māngere, Auckland, hundreds of school children, students and politicians gathered in remembrance on Wednesday.
Everyone stood for the poignant national anthem, but it was a rousing Ka Mate haka from a handful of boys from Al-Madinah which was met with raucous applause.
As the cry finished ringing out, the boys, in their white-and-black traditional uniforms, vigorously beat their feet on the ground.
A waiata, haka and performance of Hallelujah by Air New Zealand staff followed later in the assembly.
Embodied in the speeches of many of those gathered, including Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, was the reflection love had prevailed over hate in the wake of the shootings.
“Now is the time to commit ourselves to the multi-cultural and multi-faith society that we are, a society where every person is free to practice their religion safely, where every person is free and encouraged to show their cultural identity and to be proud of it.
“We want to build a country where everyone is equal and treated equally with respect regardless of race, colour or creed, a country where we regard diversity as something that enriches us and does not divide us, a country where our children can grow up to live in a peaceful and harmonious place.”
Goff’s words that people such as the alleged shooter “are not welcome in our country” was met with applause, while “Kia kaha” marked the closing of many speeches.
White balloons were released towards the end of the assembly symbolising peace, hope and unity.
