Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hopes the remembrance service for victims of the Christchurch terror attacks will herald the beginning of necessary shifts in New Zealand society
The Muslim community will be at centre of the ceremony but many of their leaders and other visiting dignitaries haven't been identified for security reasons.Media reports say snipers and elite staff from the Australian Federal Police will patrol the park in what is being described as the country's biggest security operation., along with opposition leader Bill Shorten and Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Ardern said her country has had time to come to terms with the horrific nature of the massacre and hopes there is a groundswell for change.Photo: Reuters."We have never been free of racism. We have never been free of violent ideology but our over-riding values are ones of fairness, compassion and diversity."Musician Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, will perform at the service which will be broadcast live around New Zealand and internationally.
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