The attacks on the two mosques in Christchurch last week have left the country and the international community in shock and mourning - including our small part of the world on the Coromandel.

"The offer we made on Friday to Christchurch to help in whatever capacity we can is always open," says Thames-Coromandel Mayor Sandra Goudie, who has been in touch with Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

"It's also been overwhelming to see the outpouring of support from our local communities," says Mayor Sandra. "It's absolutely phenomenal."

Vigils have been held in Thames, Whitianga and Coromandel Town with more planned over the coming week.

On Wednesday Mayor Sandra welcomed the newest New Zealanders to our district in our citizenship ceremony, held in Thames.

"While we don't have a large Muslim community on the Coromandel, some of our newest citizens are Muslim - so we're slowly becoming more multi-cultural," says Mayor Sandra.

"This ceremony was the first time we had a police presence, which shows the level of heightened monitoring on security around the country following the horrific events last week," she says.

"But together, and as a district, and a country we want to show that this act of terror will not destroy us," says Mayor Sandra.
"Today is Race Relations Day so this is an opportunity to recognise New Zealand’s more than 200 ethnic communities.Let's celebrate and share each other's culture."

On Friday, New Zealanders of all religions are also being encouraged to wear headscarves to show their support for the Muslim community.

The #HeadscarfForHarmony movement aims to support and acknowledge the pain the Muslim community is suffering, and the grief New Zealanders share in the midst of tragedy.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a two-minute silence will be observed on Friday to mark a week since the Christchurch mosque shootings.

On Friday Thames Hospital is also holding a one-minute silence to remember the victims. People can also contribute still to the official givealittle page to support the families in Christchurch.

© Scoop Media