Christchurch shootings: Tauranga residents unite for vigil

About 600 people turned up for the Holy Trinity vigil tonight to pay their respects to the victims of the Christchurch mosque massacre.

A combined church prayer vigil started at Tauranga's Holy Trinity Church on Devonport Rd at 7pm.

People of all ages and ethnicities were there, with a strong turn out from the Muslim community at the Christian church.

The mayor addressed those at the vigil and other authorities from different churches led prayers.

Hymns were sung as well as the national anthem before an opportunity to light a candle.

People were also invited to write a message on a prayer wall, which will be left at the Tauranga Mosque as a tribute.

An armed police officer was stationed outside the church during the vigil.