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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2019/mar/20/new-zealand-shooting-jacinda-ardern-visits-christchurch-to-pay-tribute-to-victims-live
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| New Zealand shooting: first burials today as Ardern visits Christchurch victims – live | New Zealand shooting: first burials today as Ardern visits Christchurch victims – live |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| Samir Harith, a Muslim New Zealander who works at the University of Waikato has written a guide for non-Muslim Kiwis to support their Muslim friends and neighbours. | |
| He writes: | |
| So many of my non-Muslim friends have asked me what they can do to help the Muslim community here in NZ in light of Friday’s Tragedy. Lots of good meaning souls out there and its the biggest reason why I love NZ so much. So for those of you who want to do something, here are some pointers: | |
| BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT: | |
| 1. Physical contact - Yes, it’s normal for us Kiwis to hug and embrace with each other on any occasion, but for most Muslims, physical contact with members of the opposite gender is taboo. Hugs, handshakes and embraces with members of the same gender is fine, but if you wish to express your condolences to a Muslim individual of an opposite gender, a simple hand over heart gesture is fine. | |
| 2. Donating food to mosques - A great idea! However, unless you are familiar with what constitutes ‘Halal’ (permissible) food, I would advise not to donate food to mosques. While they will definitely appreciate your contribution, if they suspect that the food is non-halal it will likely go to waste. If you wish to learn more about what Halal food is, please talk to your local mosque leaders. | |
| 3. Attending funerals/grieving with Muslims - Muslims are famous for being completely efficient with burying and grieving our dead. Generally speaking, fallen Muslims are usually buried and grieved within the day (hence the frustration when our loved ones aren’t able to be buried on time). So no, you probably won’t have a chance to grieve with us simply because our grieving is a very private, efficient affair. | |
| Now that you know that, what you CAN do is really easy: | |
| 1. Spread the word and share your solidarity with not just Muslims but all Kiwis, because all of us, as a country are affected by this tragedy. Spread the love and Aroha people! | |
| 2. Call out hate speech wherever you hear/see it. I can’t stress this enough. No matter how small, no matter how innocuous it sounds, call it out and tell people to cut out that shit. | |
| 3. Attend vigils organised by your local mosque and/or other religious organisations. This tragedy has brought out the best in us as it stretches across a different multitude of faiths. If you want to show your support - there is a great place to do it. | |
| He also encourages people not to share images/videos of the man who committed teh attacks or perpetrate racial hate and division. He also cautioned fellow Muslims reading this post, not to make any statements disparaging Westerners because of the violent acts of one person, writing “you don’t like them doing that to us, don’t do it to them.” | |
| Christchurch pupils perform haka for Jacinda Ardern – video | |
| Funerals for the first of the 50 victims whose bodies have been returned to their families have begun at Christchurch’s Memorial Park Cemetery. | |
| Among the first to be buried were father and son Khaled and Hamza Mustafa, who were killed at Al Noor mosque. Both came to New Zealand as Syrian refugees. | |
| Hamza, 16, was a year 10 student at Cashmere High School. Principal Mark Wilson earlier described him as excellent horse rider who wanted to be a veterinarian. | |
| As of midday on Wednesday 27 bodies had been formally identified and 12 had been released for burial. Some will then make the long journey home to be buried with family overseas. | |
| Ardern and the first responders have now left for a private gathering where they will share some “lamingtons, fruit, biscuits and juice” and talk in private, which feels very, appropriately Kiwi. | |
| The prime minister’s press conference has been pushed back to 3pm (about 40 minutes from now). | |
| Ardern has said she hoped to meet first responders in a small room and share some lamingtons. The prime minister looks extremely moved, and said she watched their work in real-time. "I have no doubt that you saved lives - thank you for doing what you do on our darkest days" | Ardern has said she hoped to meet first responders in a small room and share some lamingtons. The prime minister looks extremely moved, and said she watched their work in real-time. "I have no doubt that you saved lives - thank you for doing what you do on our darkest days" |
| Jacinda Ardern has arrived at the emergency precinct in Christchurch and is shaking the hands of St John’s first responder staff. | Jacinda Ardern has arrived at the emergency precinct in Christchurch and is shaking the hands of St John’s first responder staff. |
| Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has just held a press conference to deal with one particularly unedifying bit of fallout from the Christchurch terror attacks – comments by the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, that anyone who comes to Turkey with anti-Muslim sentiments would be sent back in coffins, “like their grandfathers were” during the Gallipoli campaign. | Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has just held a press conference to deal with one particularly unedifying bit of fallout from the Christchurch terror attacks – comments by the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, that anyone who comes to Turkey with anti-Muslim sentiments would be sent back in coffins, “like their grandfathers were” during the Gallipoli campaign. |
| Morrison warned that “all options are on the table” due to the offensive remarks and Australia will review its travel advisory for Turkey, a threat that could see Australians directed not to travel to Turkey for Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli, attended by thousands every year on 25 April. | Morrison warned that “all options are on the table” due to the offensive remarks and Australia will review its travel advisory for Turkey, a threat that could see Australians directed not to travel to Turkey for Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli, attended by thousands every year on 25 April. |
| Morrison said he did not accept the Turkish ambassador’s “excuses” that the comments were “in the heat of the moment … in an electoral context”. | Morrison said he did not accept the Turkish ambassador’s “excuses” that the comments were “in the heat of the moment … in an electoral context”. |
| In election rallies, Erdoğan has repeatedly shown excerpts of a video taken by the attacker who killed 50 people in mosques in New Zealand, to denounce what he called rising hatred and prejudice against Islam. | In election rallies, Erdoğan has repeatedly shown excerpts of a video taken by the attacker who killed 50 people in mosques in New Zealand, to denounce what he called rising hatred and prejudice against Islam. |
| Morrison said: | Morrison said: |
| I believe the comments also completely misrepresent the very strong position taken by the Australian and New Zealand governments in our response to the extremist attack in New Zealand that was committed by an Australian, but in no way, shape, or form, could possibly be taken to represent the actions, or any policy or view of the Australian people. | I believe the comments also completely misrepresent the very strong position taken by the Australian and New Zealand governments in our response to the extremist attack in New Zealand that was committed by an Australian, but in no way, shape, or form, could possibly be taken to represent the actions, or any policy or view of the Australian people. |
| All Australians have condemned it, as, indeed, I have, swiftly, and the New Zealand Prime Minister has. | All Australians have condemned it, as, indeed, I have, swiftly, and the New Zealand Prime Minister has. |
| But not only that, it has not just been our condemnation of that attack, but it has been our response, both as countries, who have an open, tolerant society, accepting of all faiths and peoples, that we have reached out to embrace our Muslim brothers and sisters in New Zealand and in Australia, quite to the contrary of the vile assertion that has been made about our response. | But not only that, it has not just been our condemnation of that attack, but it has been our response, both as countries, who have an open, tolerant society, accepting of all faiths and peoples, that we have reached out to embrace our Muslim brothers and sisters in New Zealand and in Australia, quite to the contrary of the vile assertion that has been made about our response. |
| The response of our free people in New Zealand and Australia, I think, is the message that needs to be communicated to the Turkish people, and I believe is a view respected by the people of Turkey and certainly by Turkish Australians.” | The response of our free people in New Zealand and Australia, I think, is the message that needs to be communicated to the Turkish people, and I believe is a view respected by the people of Turkey and certainly by Turkish Australians.” |
| Morrison walked a fine line, claiming that he wants to de-escalate the situation and calling for the comments to be withdrawn, while also threatening possible consequences if they are not. Whether this has the desired effect or plays into Erdoğan’s hands remains to be seen. | Morrison walked a fine line, claiming that he wants to de-escalate the situation and calling for the comments to be withdrawn, while also threatening possible consequences if they are not. Whether this has the desired effect or plays into Erdoğan’s hands remains to be seen. |
| Eleanor Ainge Roy has written this profile of Jacinda Ardern, a leader of “solace and steel”, who has risen to the occasion of leading her country through one of its darkest days. | Eleanor Ainge Roy has written this profile of Jacinda Ardern, a leader of “solace and steel”, who has risen to the occasion of leading her country through one of its darkest days. |
| By Saturday morning she was on the ground in Christchurch with the majority of her cabinet ministers and opposition leaders. Dressed in a black headscarf trimmed with gold, the prime minister met with members of the Muslim community affected by the tragedy. She held them in her arms as they sobbed, whispering words of condolence, and pressing her cheek against theirs. Video footage of those embraces travelled around the world. | By Saturday morning she was on the ground in Christchurch with the majority of her cabinet ministers and opposition leaders. Dressed in a black headscarf trimmed with gold, the prime minister met with members of the Muslim community affected by the tragedy. She held them in her arms as they sobbed, whispering words of condolence, and pressing her cheek against theirs. Video footage of those embraces travelled around the world. |
| Walking hand in hand with those affected, Ardern’s focus was on grieving and commiserating with the affected community. The alleged killer Brenton Tarrant was not representative of New Zealanders’ values and beliefs, she said. Quite simply he was: “Not us”. | Walking hand in hand with those affected, Ardern’s focus was on grieving and commiserating with the affected community. The alleged killer Brenton Tarrant was not representative of New Zealanders’ values and beliefs, she said. Quite simply he was: “Not us”. |
| Paul Buchanan, a security expert for 36th Parallel, says Ardern’s strength was her empathy, and she has “excelled” in this arena during a time of crisis. | Paul Buchanan, a security expert for 36th Parallel, says Ardern’s strength was her empathy, and she has “excelled” in this arena during a time of crisis. |
| “The way Trump and others talk, tough talk, after terror attacks, all that is posturing. And sometimes it is designed to mask weakness, sometimes it is a thirst for revenge. Ardern is doing none of that.” | “The way Trump and others talk, tough talk, after terror attacks, all that is posturing. And sometimes it is designed to mask weakness, sometimes it is a thirst for revenge. Ardern is doing none of that.” |
| “It is a leadership style that particularly suits New Zealand. New Zealand does have a serious dark side, it does have racism. But what she is doing is giving us a moment to confront these demons, this darkness and change our ways.” | “It is a leadership style that particularly suits New Zealand. New Zealand does have a serious dark side, it does have racism. But what she is doing is giving us a moment to confront these demons, this darkness and change our ways.” |
| 'Real leaders do exist': Jacinda Ardern uses solace and steel to guide a broken nation | 'Real leaders do exist': Jacinda Ardern uses solace and steel to guide a broken nation |
| PM Jacinda Ardern will shortly meet first responders who were first on the scene during Friday's attack. Her meeting will occur meters from where the accused made his first appearance in court on Saturday morning. Later, the PM will hold a press conference. | PM Jacinda Ardern will shortly meet first responders who were first on the scene during Friday's attack. Her meeting will occur meters from where the accused made his first appearance in court on Saturday morning. Later, the PM will hold a press conference. |
| Eleanor Ainge Roy is at the emergency precinct in central Christchurch, which Jacinda Ardern is about to visit to meet with first responders. Ambulance staff, civil defence staff and some from the Muslim community are there waiting for the prime minister to arrive. We expect her any moment. | Eleanor Ainge Roy is at the emergency precinct in central Christchurch, which Jacinda Ardern is about to visit to meet with first responders. Ambulance staff, civil defence staff and some from the Muslim community are there waiting for the prime minister to arrive. We expect her any moment. |
| Five days after the mosque attacks familiar police and security faces are beginning to appear, working around the clock to protect the traumatised city. Despite the tension and the stress, security and police have remained utterly professional, friendly and warm – soothing the nerves of locals who aren’t used to seeing rifles on their quiet city streets. | Five days after the mosque attacks familiar police and security faces are beginning to appear, working around the clock to protect the traumatised city. Despite the tension and the stress, security and police have remained utterly professional, friendly and warm – soothing the nerves of locals who aren’t used to seeing rifles on their quiet city streets. |
| During rigorous security checks for media to gain access to the prime minister’s press conference officers smile and joke with weary press, bolstering spirits as day six rolls on. | During rigorous security checks for media to gain access to the prime minister’s press conference officers smile and joke with weary press, bolstering spirits as day six rolls on. |
| “Kia Kaha” an officer says. “Stay strong”. | “Kia Kaha” an officer says. “Stay strong”. |
| New Zealand police have started to release the names of the some of the victims. Police said they died at the Al Noor mosque: | New Zealand police have started to release the names of the some of the victims. Police said they died at the Al Noor mosque: |
| Hati Mohemmed Doud Nabi, 71, of New Zealand.Mohsen Mohammed Al Harbi, 63, of New Zealand.Kamel Moh’d Kamal Kamel Darwish, 38, of Jordan.Junaid Ismail, 36, of New Zealand.Mucaad Ibrahim, 3, of New Zealand. | Hati Mohemmed Doud Nabi, 71, of New Zealand.Mohsen Mohammed Al Harbi, 63, of New Zealand.Kamel Moh’d Kamal Kamel Darwish, 38, of Jordan.Junaid Ismail, 36, of New Zealand.Mucaad Ibrahim, 3, of New Zealand. |
| Commissioner Mike Bush said police had now formally identified and released the bodies of 21 people to family members. | Commissioner Mike Bush said police had now formally identified and released the bodies of 21 people to family members. |
| "Hope and fear" - front page of the NZ Herald today: pic.twitter.com/38kpHlJVrB | "Hope and fear" - front page of the NZ Herald today: pic.twitter.com/38kpHlJVrB |
| Front page of Christchurch paper The Press today. pic.twitter.com/pNHzbIExn3 | Front page of Christchurch paper The Press today. pic.twitter.com/pNHzbIExn3 |
| The first burials of victims are being held today in Christchurch, five days after the attacks in which 50 people were killed. Six bodies were released on Tuesday night and prepared for swift burial. Most of the bodies will be released by Wednesday evening, said police. | The first burials of victims are being held today in Christchurch, five days after the attacks in which 50 people were killed. Six bodies were released on Tuesday night and prepared for swift burial. Most of the bodies will be released by Wednesday evening, said police. |
| Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has visited Cashmere high school, where she was greeted by a haka performed by pupils. She assured the students “It’s OK to grieve” and encouraged them to call or text the 1737 number if they need support. Two Cashmere high school students and one former student died in the attacks. | Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has visited Cashmere high school, where she was greeted by a haka performed by pupils. She assured the students “It’s OK to grieve” and encouraged them to call or text the 1737 number if they need support. Two Cashmere high school students and one former student died in the attacks. |
| Twenty-nine people are still in Christchurch hospital. Eight people remain in a critical condition in intensive care. The four-year-old girl is still in a critical condition in Starship Hospital in Auckland. Her father is near her in Auckland City Hospital and his condition has improved. | Twenty-nine people are still in Christchurch hospital. Eight people remain in a critical condition in intensive care. The four-year-old girl is still in a critical condition in Starship Hospital in Auckland. Her father is near her in Auckland City Hospital and his condition has improved. |
| New Zealanders have begun handing in their firearms to police. As of Tuesday night, at least 37 had been handed in. | New Zealanders have begun handing in their firearms to police. As of Tuesday night, at least 37 had been handed in. |
| Australia has accused the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of making “deeply offensive” comments after he said anti-Muslim Australians will return home in coffins like their grandfathers | Australia has accused the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of making “deeply offensive” comments after he said anti-Muslim Australians will return home in coffins like their grandfathers |
| New Zealand police commissioner Mike Bush has said he is “alert” to the risk of reprisals in the wake of Erdoğan’s comments. | New Zealand police commissioner Mike Bush has said he is “alert” to the risk of reprisals in the wake of Erdoğan’s comments. |
| The peak organisation for New Zealand’s hunting lobby, Fish and Game NZ, has called for a ban and buyback of military-style semi-automatic weapons in the wake of last week’s attack. Its chief executive, Martin Taylor, said: “They are designed for one thing only and that’s to kill people.” | The peak organisation for New Zealand’s hunting lobby, Fish and Game NZ, has called for a ban and buyback of military-style semi-automatic weapons in the wake of last week’s attack. Its chief executive, Martin Taylor, said: “They are designed for one thing only and that’s to kill people.” |