Māori community of Ōtautahi assists with burial process for victims
Representatives of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tūāhuriri met today with Māori community leaders of
Ōtautahi/Christchurch, as they continue to assist the Muslim community following the tragic events of Friday, 15 March.
Dr Te Maire Tau, Ūpoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri (mana whenua for Ōtautahi/Christchurch), says the Māori community is committed
to supporting the Muslim community through this difficult time.
“We will show our support in any way possible as and when the Muslim community needs it, whether that is offering marae
for accommodation, assisting with the burial process and services, or any other requirements they might have in terms of
looking after their loved ones. We have already assisted with the burial services that took place today and we continue
to offer our support to the families of those being buried in the days ahead.”
Dr Tau says Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu, alongside Māori community leaders, want to also express their support for the
work that has been done by NZ Police, emergency services and hospital staff.
“I wish to acknowledge the exceptional work of Police, and in particular the team led by Deputy Commissioner Wally
Haumaha, as well as the work being done by medical professionals as they seek to return loved ones back to their
families. We express our heartfelt appreciation to these selfless people, who are all working tirelessly under extremely
difficult circumstances.”
Dr Tau says that Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu will continue working with community leaders and the Government sector to
provide whatever services are required.
“Māori leaders I have spoken to have expressed their wish to help in any way, shape or form. We are here and we are
ready to tautoko our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
ENDS