French people gather in Aotea Square to light candles of remembrance for those who died in the terror attacks in Paris today. Photo / Chris Loufte
Blue, red and white flags, banners of peace and dozens of candles have adorned the centre of Auckland's Aotea Square where the French community has gathered this evening.
Several hundred people turned up in solidarity for the victims of those caught up in the violent attacks in France.
As people arrived they gathered in a circle lighting a cluster of tea candles that were lain on the floor.
Some held posters with the words #Pray for Paris, while others were wrapped in a French flag.
Organiser Geraldine Clermont said the vigil had been arranged as a way of showing support for those in Paris.
"We gathered to pay respect to the victims," she said.
Her sister, grandmother, cousins and a few friends were all in Paris - but as far as she knew they were all safe and well.
Nicolas Plaire said when he woke to see the news he was quite shaken.
"I couldn't hold onto my glasses I was so shaky," he said.
A group of his friends had been at the concert at Bataclan when the violence broke out.
While they'd all gotten out alive - one had been shot in the leg.
President of the New Zealand French Chamber of Commerce Nadine Plet, who had a flag draped over her shoulders, said it was "absolutely tragic" to see what had happened in Paris.
"I'm here to mark my respect for the victims and families," she said.
"To ascertain France is still there. We stand as one for liberty, equality and fraternity."
The Minister of Trade Tim Groser spoke to the largely silent and solemn crowd in French.
"As a person of the world I have come to show our total solidarity."
He said even hundreds of kilometres away from France New Zealand was standing side by side with Paris.
"We will defend our solidarity whatever it takes."
It was a far more sombre feel at this evening's vigil, compared to the one that took place in the exact same square following the Charlie Hebdo attacks.
On January 7 this year two men had stormed the Paris offices of the satirical weekly killing 11 and injuring 11 others.
Thousands took to the street across the world in peaceful demonstrations against what many considered as a violent attack on freedom of speech - including in Auckland's Aotea Square.
That demonstration was a louder display of singing, speeches and chants in a determined effort not to be silenced.
Today it was a much different picture. Even before the minute of silence held at 8pm, the crowd had already been standing for almost an hour in contemplative quiet around the lit blue, red and white candles on the ground.
While the circle was opened up for people to say a few words, most chose to stay quiet, with some shedding a few tears as they looked on the makeshift shrine.
One of those in attendance Julie Anterrieu noted on the difference in the atmosphere.
"It was different with Charlie Hebdo, they were angry," she said. "Now, this is just senseless."
As sun began to set over the square, the group slowly dissipated - with some heading to local French restaurants to continue their show of solidarity.
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