Messages of love and support continue to surround the Hawkes Bay Baitul Mokarram Masjid & Islamic Center Trust in Hastings. Photo / File
Messages of love and support continue to surround the Hawkes Bay Baitul Mokarram Masjid & Islamic Center Trust in Hastings. Photo / File
Amid an outpouring of love in Hawke's Bay, a number of events have been lined up to help commemorate and mourn with its Muslim community.
There are so many that police are urging people to not create their own vigils as they won't be able to provide security for them.
Donna Rollinson and her daughter Paige said they were completely overwhelmed with support when they arranged a Women's Muslim March in Napier on Saturday via Facebook.
"It's for absolutely everyone. We didn't realise how big the response would be. This march is about what has happened and it's about bringing people together because we are one human race."
The march will start from Clive Square at 12pm, down Marine Parade and will end at the Soundshell.
"The people have just been so good and supportive. We have different religions, different languages and different coloured skin but we all belong to the one race."
The march is particularly special to Rollinson as her daughter Paige joined the Muslim faith when they lived in Australia.
"She's a Maori Muslim and I didn't know a lot about their faith at first, but once I educated myself, I realised their religion is no different. There's also a lot of Maori muslims out in our community."
Two minutes of silence have also been announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to mark a week since the attacks - the time of observance is still being decided.
A public hikoi will also start from Albert Square in Hastings on Friday at 6.30pm where prayers will be said in three languages, Arabic, Maori and English.
Peter Paul James organiser of an upcoming hikoi walk which will take place on Friday evening. Photo / File.
The candlelit march will proceed down Heretaunga St towards the Hastings Mosque where a gift will be handed over to leaders of the mosque as a sign of unity.
A mufti day is also being held on Friday at Havelock North High School where both female students and staff will be wearing hijab as a sign of solidarity.
Another gathering is planned for 6pm on Sunday at the Hastings clock tower where all members of the Hawke's Bay community are invited including government officials.
Hawke's Bay Baitul Mokarram Masjid and Islamic Centre Trust president Sayeed Ahmed said the Muslim community was still recovering from the shock of the attacks but he was both humbled and overwhelmed with the support from Hawke's Bay residents and businesses.
"Everyone is helping us. The people of Hawke's Bay have just done excellent work - we feel like we are one family. "
