Members of the Masjid e Umar Mosque in the Auckland suburb of Mount Roskill say they are overwhelmed by their community's support.
Young boys get autographs from police outside the Masjid e Umar Mosque in Auckland, where Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke today. Photo: RNZ / Katie Doyle
Today more than 200 people gathered at the mosque for a vigil to honour those who died in the Christchurch terror attacks.
Among those in attendance was Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who received a standing ovation when she entered the tent that had been set up for the event.
The mosque chairperson, Ahmed Bahmji, praised Ms Ardern for her grace and strength following the attack.
His voice broke as he remembered how she had covered her head whenever she had visited a holy space.
"We are forever grateful the day that our hearts were broken, you looked straight at us ... and spoke to us in a way that restored our hearts, restored our faith and restored our community."
Mr Bahmji said Ms Ardern had shown humility and morality in a way unsurpassed by other world leaders.
Tributes outside Masjid e Umar Mosque Photo: Masjid Umar, Mt Roskill Mosque
During the vigil staff from Air New Zealand and students from Mount Roskill Grammar performed a haka, as a mark of respect for those killed.
After the formalities were done, a large lunch was served by members of the mosque, who ensured no one left the event hungry.
One woman working at the food station, Fatima Bahmji, said it had been amazing to see the outpouring of love from both within and outside of the Muslim community.
She said the vast amounts of food offered after the vigil was their way of saying thank you for the aroha her community had received.
Ms Bahmji lost her brother-in-law, Imam Hafiz Musa Patel, in the massacre. She said her community was extremely sad but were rebuilding.
