Support from Music Industry following Christchurch Tragedy
You Are Us - Aroha Nui Concert Christchurch:
Hollie Smith
Marlon Williams and Lorde
Dave Dobbyn
The New Zealand Music Industry presented remarkable unifying support for those affected by the horrific terrorist
attacks that killed fifty-one people who were peacefully worshipping at two Christchurch mosques on 15th of March 2019.
Marlon Williams and Delaney Davidson
Jon Toogood and Brent Eccles
The concert was another example of the incredible leadership and response of our community following the attacks which
included the outpouring of floral tributes and support from shocked human beings. Immediate assistance for victims from
passers-by, neighbour’s opening their doors to protect those who escaped during the attack, dedicated emergency and
medical personnel, police and less visible security working within a high terror threat level for the first time in the
country’s history, coverage and updates from journalists, care packages and uplifting grace from surviving victims.
Yusuf Islam / Cat Stevens who performed at the National Remembrance Service in Christchurch mentioned that "It was one
of the most moving of experiences and the unity of New Zealand I haven't seen anywhere else. Beautiful."
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern implored the community to band together and that they did. Leadership inspired
widely, from Oprah Winfrey’s admiration to Dubai’s memorable adorning of the world’s tallest building, shining light on
peace.
Biker gang members visit Christchurch Al Noor mosque to express condolences
A child gives police flowers at Christchurch Al Noor mosque.
People greet each other near the entrance of Christchurch Al Noor mosque with traditional Māori greeting, hongi.
“The example provided by New Zealand will prove to be of enduring value to all nations,” the Duke of Cambridge commented
while visiting Christchurch on behalf of his grandmother Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “You showed the way we must
respond to hate, with love,” he said. Prince William also explained “On a map New Zealand may look like an isolated land
but in the weeks that followed the 15th of March the moral compass of the world was centered here in Christchurch.”
For the You Are Us Aroha Nui events, Eccles Entertainment and Live Nation banded together many of New Zealand’s leading
artists. Promoter Brent Eccles said, “We just had to step up and do something to help the devastated families but also
show that we are one country.”
Artists included: Dave Dobbyn, Lorde, Bic Runga, Sole Mio – Amitai Pati and Moses Mackay, Hollie Smith, Anika Moa, Boh
Runga, Marlon Williams, Delaney Davidson, Stan Walker, The Adults, CHAii, Christchurch Combined Choir, Jason Kerrison,
Ill Baz, Melodownz, Bailey Wiley, Diggy Dupe, Bene, Mitch James, SIX60, Shihad, Nomad, Don McGlashan, Teeks,
Shapeshifter, The Exponents, MC Mike King.
On a beautiful crisp clear night there was a stadium of warm hearts filled with love.
Reflecting the response of the community, one sound resonated in unity with peace accepting diversity: a harmony of
humanity.
Words and images by Lucy Gardner
ends