Tauranga leaders reflect on mosque experience

Natalie and Simon Bridges at Tauranga Mosque yesterday. Photo / Andrew Warner

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges said he felt "very emotional" after the two minutes of silence and prayer session inside the mosque.

The sermon was about how the community had come together after the tragedy - a message that resonated strongly with Bridges.

"The Islamic community could have reacted very badly after they have responded with love," he said.

Labour list MPs Jan Tinetti and Angie Warren-Clark were among the crowd, wearing headscarves.

Warren-Clark said she wore the scarf as a sign of "respect and a mark of sorrow".

"I think it's important that we as a community can reflect here and show our solidarity, support and sorrow to the Muslim community because it is our sorrow as well."

Tinetti said: "They are our brothers and sisters ... I feel so much for them and our Prime Minister was right, they are us."

National MP Todd Muller, dressed in a suit and tie, said the nation's response to the tragedy had been outstanding.

"There's so much tragedy gently softened by a cloak of love and compassion."

Tauranga City councillor Max Mason said it was "the most meaningful experience" he had during his 23 years living in New Zealand.

"I had a big lump in my throat as I thought about how people across the country were standing in solidarity."

Bay of Plenty District Health Board chief executive Helen Mason was touched the generous and welcoming approach of the Muslim community.

"They were looking after us ... it was deeply moving.

"Last Friday we saw the very worst of one person and this Friday we have seen the very best of countless people."