Northland police assure ethnic communities of their safety

A Muslim woman carries a bunch of flowers to the Whangārei police station to thank officers for their support and protection. Photo/Mike Dinsdale

Northland police have deployed staff to Christchurch after the mosque shootings but while not giving specifics are assuring the Northland community of their safety.

In a short written statement, Inspector Al Symonds said: "A number of Northland police staff covering a range of roles had been deployed to assist in Christchurch.

"We want to reassure the community that police in Northland are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of the public and there will continue to be an increased police presence on the streets, as there is around the country."

Symonds said Northland police offered their heartfelt condolences to the families affected and to the whole Christchurch community.

"Our community here in Northland may notice an increased security presence at public events - it is our goal to ensure that everyone is safe and feels safe."

He encouraged everyone to be vigilant and to report any behaviour or activity they believed to be suspicious.

Senior police officers will meet with Whangārei's migrant community at the Forum North from 12pm to 1pm today to assure them of their support and protection.

A public vigil at Laurie Hall Park on Sunday evening attracted more than 1000 people and another is being planned this Friday in Dargaville.

It will be held either at the Dargaville Town Hall or the Baptist Church from 1pm.

Two Fire and Emergency New Zealand vehicles transported flowers laid by the public outside the Islamic Centre in Whangārei to the hospital and the police station yesterday.Meanwhile, no Northland District Health Board staff have gone to Christchurch to assist.

Meng Cheong, Northland District Health Board acting chief executive said they had offered whatever support the Canterbury DHB might need.

"Our heart goes out to the people of Christchurch and the Muslim community there and across New Zealand. The events of Friday were an unprovoked attack on the very freedoms we hold dear," Cheong said.

She said their focus now turned to the health and wellbeing of the Northland community and staff and acknowledged that everyone who was in any way involved with a disaster or traumatic event may experience trauma reactions.

"If over the following days and weeks, distress or stress symptoms are escalating, or you feel you are not coping, early access to help and professional support is important."

A visit to the doctor was a good starting point or for support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 – free, anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week - to talk it through with a trained counsellor.