Hundreds gather at Rotorua Islamic Centre one week after Christchurch Mosque Shooting

Fresh flowers, cards and messages at the Rotorua Islamic Centre. Photo / Cira Olivier

About 100 people have gathered outside Rotorua's Islamic Community Centre for afternoon prayers today.

Outside the Tarewa Rd centre members of the public and two police officers stood by their Muslim brothers and sisters while they prayed.

About 100 members of the community are at the centre. Photo / Cira Olivier

Rotorua Islamic community centre Imam Iftikhar Khan said it was beautiful to see people showing solidarity.

"Every human being has the same blood," he said, despite colour, beliefs or religion.

He said the turn out gave a lot of strength.

Fresh flowers have been placed outside the centre. Photo / Cira Olivier

Thirteen students from Western Heights High School each with white roses stood outside the Islamic centre.

Two students from John Paul College came too. Twenty prefects lay white roses, cards and garlands outside the mosque.

Cards and flowers have been laid out. Photo / Cira Olivier

The colourful cards had messages of sympathy and love to bring joy during a dark time.

Year 13 student Emily Wharekura said they felt it was important to show their love and support for the community.

Mats are laid out in front of the Islamic Centre. Photo / Cira Olivier

She said it was difficult to know what to do because something like this hàd never happened in New Zealand.

Fresh flowers, cards and messages at the Rotorua Islamic Centre. Photo / Cira Olivier