TIMARU DISTRICT COUNCIL
TE KAUNIHERA Ā-ROHE O TE TIHI O MARU
MEDIA RELEASE KŌRERO PĀNUI

18/4/2018

For Immediate Use

Timaru asked to share its love and support with Muslim community

Timaru District Council is enabling people to send a short message of love and support to the Muslim Community on a community memorial board at Aigantighe Art Gallery.

The board, which will be available in the gallery sculpture garden from Saturday, enables the public to contribute their thoughts and support in the aftermath of the Mosque shootings in Christchurch.

The front of the board is inscribed with a verse from the Qur’an, with space for people to add their own messages on the reverse.

Muslim community representative Mansoor Shah said that the inscription was chosen as it speaks to us about the importance of being one nation of people.

“Green has been used in the design as it is a peaceful colour and has special meaning to the Muslim community. Ferns around the corners represent New Zealand and show unity, “ he said.

“In the middle, a verse from the Qur’an, the holy book of the Muslim community, has been displayed in both Arabic and in English, which means while we have different communities in New Zealand, we are still one and are noblest because of our righteousness; because of how we support each other in the good times and the bad.

“New Zealand is the place where people from so many cultures and backgrounds can live harmoniously as an example to the rest of the world.”

Exhibitions Curator of the Art Gallery Hamish Pettengell says that the board will be located on the paved area in the sculpture garden of Aigantighe Art Gallery on Wai-iti Rd, in front of the main gallery doors.

“Pens will be available for people to write their messages through the day, and the board will be monitored by Gallery staff. It will be secured within the gallery each night and put back into the public space each day,” he said.

“It will be available from Saturday 20 April to 27 April when the completed board will be offered to the Muslim Community for display somewhere important to them.”

Aigantighe Art Gallery is open from 12-4 every day of the Easter holiday weekend and ANZAC day, and 10-4 other days.

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