A national remembrance service for the victims of the Christchurch mosques terrorist attack will be held at 10am on Friday.
People gather outside Al Noor Mosque Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
The service will be held in Christchurch in Hagley Park and will be jointly led by the government, Christchurch City Council, Ngāi Tahu and the Muslim community.
Organisers are considering simultaneously broadcasting the service to events in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she expected international guests and visitors would want to attend and support the victims and their families.
"The national remembrance service provides an opportunity for Cantabrians, New Zealanders and people all around the world to come together as one to honour the victims of the terrorist attack.
"In the week since the unprecedented terror attack there has been an outpouring of grief and love in our country.
"The service will be a chance to once again show that New Zealanders are compassionate, inclusive and diverse, and that we will protect those values."
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said it would be a time for people here and around the world to come together in unity.
"I am very proud of the way our city and nation have responded to this terrorist attack.
"What happened … will never define us. It is what has happened since, the love and compassion, that's what defines us.
"Coming together on Friday will demonstrate support for all our communities, no matter where we were born, no matter where and how we choose to express our faith. We do not stand alone, we stand together."
The details of the service, including exact location, broadcast arrangements and order of service will be announced later in the week.
Fifty people were killed and as many were injured in the terrorist attacks on the Linwood and Al Noor mosques.
