Future uncertain for Tauranga Multicultural Festival after Christchurch mosque shooting

Tauranga's Multicultural Festival has been postponed. Photo / File

A new date has yet to be set for Tauranga's Multicultural Festival, which was postponed in the wake of the deadly massacre in Christchurch.

The event, originally scheduled for March 16, was postponed following police advice that the festival should not take place in for fear of a copy-cat situation.

Multicultural Tauranga president Ann Kerewaro said a meeting would be held tomorrow to decide whether to cancel or reschedule the event.

"It is going to be a difficult decision," she said.

"The council and the police will also be considering it as well and we need to listen to them and take their advice."

Kerewaro said it could be decided that the festival goes ahead in a different form or if the risk is too high not at all.

The Multicultural Tauranga president said she was still rattled by the news.

"It is a terrible thing to have happened," she said. "I still can't believe it."

She and others from the multicultural society had attended the Mount Maunganui vigil on Saturday, following Friday's devastating attack, and had visited the Tauranga Mosque on 18th Ave to pay their respects.

"I was very impressed by their hospitality. They are very welcoming and gracious," she said.

Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless encouraged people to attend Tauranga's Multicultural Festival at the weekend after the event was cancelled on Saturday at the advice of the police.

"It will be great for people to show we are not going to be cowered by these sorts of people," he said.

"This is a tragedy for all of us. The biggest people affected are the families and friends who have lost their loved ones. I am determined we shouldn't let it define our lives."