Hundreds turn up to Rotorua Lakefront vigil

3.31pm The mayor cut a ribbon to reveal a piece of art made by the Muslim community. She thanked everyone for their support and love.

3.24pm Rotorua Boys' High School students did a haka.

Now the entire vigil is singing the national anthem

Rotorua Boys' High students perform a haka at the Rotorua vigil.

Posted by Rotorua Daily Post on Thursday, 21 March 2019

To conclude, a final Muslim prayer is taking place.

The Muslim community at the vigil come forward to do the prayer. Photo / Caroline Fleming

3.17pm Tamati Coffey told the audience that being down here is a prime example of the city's love and compassion.

Rev JP Metcalf has now asked everyone to join in a prayer.

Boys' and Girls' High students are walking around with donation buckets.

3.08pm Event organiser Omar Al Omari broke down in tears as he spoke about those who were lost in the tragedy.

Ayham Semiz, a representative of the Muslim council, said we must not seek revenge as this was not what the Muslim community wanted.

The crowd at the Lakefront vigil.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said our country has shown the world that we won't be brought down in fear. "Our home is a place of diversity."

Todd McClay said this last week had not felt like New Zealand at all.

Many of the speakers had recognised the first responders on the scene of the tragedy.

2.36pm Every one is standing for two minutes of silence at the vigil.

2.27pm Hundreds have turned up for the Rotorua vigil this afternoon.

The crowd stands for two minutes' silence at the Lakefront vigil. Photo / Caroline Fleming

School students, church communities and local leaders are among those who have come down to reflect and remember and to mourn the victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks last Friday.

Crowds turned up to the Rotorua Lakefront vigil. Photo / Caroline Fleming

Earlier:

Today is the only civic remembrance opportunity for the community.

The event is for the Rotorua community to come together in support of the local Muslim community.

The one-hour vigil is being organised by the Rotorua Muslim Community in association with the Rotorua Multicultural Council and Rotorua Lakes Council.

The event will be a time for reflection and for the community to unify and show its support following last Friday's horrific attacks in Christchurch, the council said in a statement.

Extra parking had been made available to help cater for the hundreds of people expected to attend a special one-hour vigil to reflect on the horrific Christchurch terror attacks.