Sunday, 20 October 2002

National Day of Mourning, Australia

The thoughts of all New Zealanders are with our Australian neighbours as we too mourn our people, and those of many other nationalities, who suffered and died in the Bali bombings.

This tragedy has hit many countries hard but it is clear that the greatest numbers of foreign victims are from Australia. Australians have lost their lives in a callously conceived and ruthlessly executed attack which had no respect for humanity. New Zealanders also perished in this atrocity.

Today we remember those of all nations who were killed, those who are still missing, and we stand in solidarity with those who have been injured and traumatised by this event. For far too many of our families on both sides of the Tasman, the reality is that they have lost a husband or wife, son or a daughter, grandchildren, other relatives, or friends.

New Zealand and Australia shared traumatic experiences during wars in the twentieth century. We now share another sad period in our joint history. The close bonds between us will provide us with the strength and determination to see through this period together.

As we grieve together, the dignity and courage of the survivors in the face of this atrocity should be a beacon to us all.

Helen Clark
Prime Minister

© Scoop Media