Mosque attacks  |  23 Mar 2019

A terror attack in Christchurch on Friday 15 March left 50 people dead and dozens seriously injured. Check here for the latest information on how the tragedy is impacting on the city.

Sunday, 3pm

Plans announced for National Remembrance Service

A National Remembrance Service for the victims of the mosque attacks and all those affected by the tragedy will be held in Christchurch on Friday.

 The service will be in Hagley Park and will be jointly led by the Government, the city of Christchurch, Ngāi Tahu and the Muslim community.

Find out more.

Saturday, 1.40pm

Cordon around Linwood mosque lifted

Linwood Ave has reopened to traffic, east and westbound. A lane drop will remain in place around the mosque.

Please be aware that Deans Avenue currently has a temporary speed limit of 30km an hour.

Saturday, 12.35pm

Cordon around Deans Ave mosque lifted

The cordon on Deans Avenue around Al Noor Masjid has been lifted. However, no parking is allowed within a block of the mosque.

Saturday, 11.35am

Cordon around cemetery lifted

Ruru Road between Hay Street and Maces Road has been reopened to traffic. There is still heightened security around Memorial Park Cemetery.

Thursday 7pm

Public invited to call to prayer event in Hagley Park

An official call to prayer event will take place from 1pm at Hagley Park, across from the Al Noor Masjid on Deans Avenue in Christchurch.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and community leaders have been invited by the Muslim community to be part of the official proceedings. There will also be an expected 30 foreign dignitaries present.

The public and media are also invited to attend and there will be designated areas for them to assemble.

You can find more information here.

Thursday, 10.35am

Sports and events to go ahead

Sports and planned events will go ahead as usual this weekend and next week. However, people should check the event websites and the websites of regional sports organisations for any updates.

People should be aware that there may still be cordons in place so allow plenty to time to get to your game or event.

Primary school sports that usually take place in South Hagley Park on Friday afternoon are cancelled because of the road cordons in Deans Avenue.

People may notice an increased police presence at events and places linked to Friday’s tragedy. They are there to provide reassurance to the public.

Thursday, 9.20am

Service of Prayer and Hope

An inter-church, non-denominational Service of Prayer and Hope will be held today at 6pm in Latimer Square.

Everyone is welcome.

People are asked to bring a fern frond, if possible, as these will be used in an act of remembrance. This is a standing-only event. People are urged to use public transport as street parking will be limited.

Wednesday, 4.55pm

Free public transport for remembrance events this weekend

Free public transport will be available for anyone wishing to attend two community-led gatherings this weekend.

The first event is the Christchurch March for Love on Saturday. All public transport, including the Diamond Harbour ferry, will be free between 7am and 2pm.

The second event is Remember Those Who Lost Their Lives 15-3-19 on Sunday. All public transport will be free from 2pm for this event.

Environment Canterbury advises that services will run to their usual weekend timetables and suggests that people allow extra time for their journey. However, there will be no extra buses.

People can use the Journey Planner or call Metroinfo on 03 366 8855 for advice.

Wednesday, 11.45pm

Take care while cycling in Rolleston Avenue

For the next few days, people are being reminded to please walk their bikes past the floral tribute along Rolleston Avenue by the Botanic Gardens. At present, the area is very busy with people paying their respects, and there is not much space for cycling.

 Tuesday, 4.20pm

Most sport to go ahead

Most sport and planned events will be going ahead as usual this weekend.

People should check their regional sports organisation’s website for any draw updates.  People should be aware there may still be some cordons in place so allow plenty to time to get to your game.

Primary school sports that usually take place on South Hagley Park on Friday afternoon maybe cancelled if road cordons are not lifted prior. Schools will be advised directly by Primary School Sports about cancellation.

Secondary school sports that usually take place on South Hagley Park on Wednesday afternoon will be transferred to North Hagley Park. 

People may notice an increased police presence at events and places linked to Friday’s tragedy. They are there to provide reassurance to the public.

Tuesday, 2.30pm

Victim Support fund raises over $6m

Victim Support has now received over $6 million through its online Givealittle campaign, launched in support of victims affected by Friday’s shootings in Christchurch.

"This is an unprecedented fundraising response to an unprecedented tragedy in New Zealand and we thank everybody who has donated,” said Victim Support Chief Executive Kevin Tso.

"The amount we have raised is overwhelming and reflects the tragedy’s widespread ripple effect and the human desire to help others in need. New Zealand and the world are in mourning.”

 

Tuesday, 2.05pm

Beware of scammers seeking donations

Vodafone, Spark, Vocus and 2degrees are warning all customers to be cautious of scammers looking to take advantage of Kiwi generosity and benefit from the Christchurch terror attack through fraudulent donations.

There have been multiple incidents of fake donation websites, social media requests, phishing emails, calls, txts and door-to-door solicitations. To ensure donations make it to the intended victims, please take the advice of CERT NZ, the government agency that oversees cybersecurity, and donate directly on registered charity or bank websites, rather than using links in emails or on social media.

Tuesday, 10am

Vigil in North Hagley Park

A Remember Those Who Lost Their Lives 15-3-19 vigil will be held in North Hagley Park on Sunday night between 5 and 7pm.

Christchurch City Council is helping the organisers of this event by offering assistance with traffic management, security, portaloos, lighting and signage.

Support and help

Donations are being accepted for The Christchurch Foundation's Our People, Our City Fund at most banks or by bank transfer to the following bank account: The Christchurch Foundation 15-3976-0091104-80.

The foundation will work with Muslim communities to distribute the fund.

Anyone wanting to offer practical assistance to those affected by Friday’s tragedy can call the Council Contact Centre on 941-8999 (or 0800 800 169) or email info@ccc.govt.nz. Staff will record all offers of assistance and forward them to the appropriate agencies.

People needing mental well-being support or advice can call or text 1737 anytime day or night to talk to a trained counsellor.

ACC is offering financial support to those who have been injured or have lost a loved one in Friday's mosque shootings. You can find details on how to access ACC's financial support on their website. 

Tuesday, 7.25am

Road closures still in place

The road closures put in place after Friday's terror attack remain in place this morning. Be prepared for delays when travelling in and around the city. The key areas to expect some delays when travelling around are:

  • Linwood/Eastgate
  • Deans Avenue
  • Hospital Corner
  • Rolleston Avenue one-way northbound between Cashel Street and Gloucester Street

Monday, 5.15pm

Traffic update

Traffic is heavy along Rolleston Avenue as many people visit the site by the Botanic Gardens where people are leaving flowers, and messages of support for the Muslim community.

Aldwins Road is also experiencing more traffic and motorists need to be prepared for delays.

Meanwhile, Ruru Road is currently closed between Hay Street and Maces Road. 

Monday, 4.20pm

Community gathering planned

A community-driven event is planned for North Hagley Park this Saturday. The Christchurch March for Love is planned for 10am. Organised by Christchurch students, the march aims to bring people together to show their love in a time of great adversity.

If you plan to attend this event, please check the Facebook page for updates.

Monday, 3.45pm

Student service

Motorists are advised to take extra care at the intersection of Riccarton Road, Riccarton Avenue and Deans Avenue as students unite for a 4pm service near the mosque.

Monday, 11.50am

Allow extra time for flights

Christchurch Airport is operating as normal, but passengers are advised to arrive early for flights to allow extra time for Aviation Security Service screening.

Monday, 7.06am

Traffic delays likely this morning

Please be prepared for delays when travelling in and around the city today. The key areas where you are likely to encounter delays are around Hospital Corner, Linwood/Eastgate and Deans Avenue.  These delays are unavoidable so please be patient and courteous.

Sunday, 1.40pm

Linwood Ave partially reopened

Linwood Ave is now open, westbound only. It remains closed eastbound between Gloucester St and Aldwins Rd.

Sunday, 1.25pm

Libraries, sport and recreation centres open as usual

All of Christchurch's libraries will be open as usual this week. A condolence book has been set up on the ground floor of Turanga, the central library, for those who want to write messages of sympathy and support to the victims of Friday's mosque shootings.

All Council-run sport and recreation centres will also be open as usual this week.

Sunday, 10.15am

Traffic disruption likely to continue

As a result of Friday's terror attack in Christchurch a number of roads are likely to remain closed for some time. This means there will be heavier traffic in surrounding areas and travel disruption can be expected during the week. Motorists are advised to leave early and allow extra time for travel. 

Latest information on road closures is below but there may also be a number of smaller side road closures in place. The information can also be found on the Christchurch City Council website. Riccarton Rd and Riccarton Ave have now reopened to traffic.

  • Deans Ave is CLOSED between Riccarton Rd and Blenheim Rd
  • Riccarton Ave is OPEN between Hagley Ave and Deans Ave
  • Riccarton Rd is OPEN between Clarence St and Deans Ave
  • Linwood Ave CLOSED between Aldwins Rd and Gloucester St
  • Cashel St CLOSED eastbound to Linwood Ave
  • Hereford St CLOSED eastbound to Linwood Ave

Sunday, 9.25am

Thanks, but no more donations are needed

Christchurch City Council would like to thank members of the public for generous donations made to the welfare centre for family members of the victims of Friday's shooting and other members of the Muslim community. However, it advises that no more donations of food, gifts or toys are needed at this stage as the centre is well-stocked with everything required. 

Saturday, 8.45pm

Blenheim Rd and Moorhouse Ave have now reopened to traffic.

Saturday, 7.45pm

Latest traffic update

SH76 Brougham St has now been reopened to all traffic, however contractors are still on the site clearing up so motorists are asked to take extra care. 

Motorists are reminded that there are multiple road closures in place around the city. This means that there is heavier than normal traffic on the roads that are open. 

 People are being asked to avoid travel in and around these areas to allow emergency services and those that have a need to travel to get to their destination.

Road closures are as follows:

  • Blenheim Rd CLOSED between Clarence St and Moorhouse Ave
  • Deans Ave CLOSED between  Kilmarnock St
  • Moorhouse Ave CLOSED between Lincoln Rd and Blenheim Rd
  • Riccarton Ave CLOSED between Hagley Ave and Deans Ave
  • Riccarton Rd CLOSED between Clarence St and Deans Ave
  • Linwood Ave CLOSED between Aldwins Rd and Worcester St
  • Cashel St CLOSED eastbound to Linwood Ave
  • Hereford St CLOSED eastbound to Linwood Ave

There will also be a number of side road closures in place.

If you have an urgent need to attend Christchurch Public Hospital or Christchurch Womens Hospital there is currently NO ACCESS via Riccarton Ave.  Access is available as follows:

  • From the South via Montreal St, St Asaph St, Hagley Ave
  • From the North via Durham St, Asaph St, Hagley Ave
  • From the East via St Asaph St, Hagley Ave
  • From the West: via Lincoln Rd, Moorhouse Ave, Montreal St, St Asaph St, Hagley Ave or via Fendalton Rd, Harper Ave, Bealey Ave, Durham St, Asaph St, Hagley Ave

Saturday, 3.30pm

Slayer and Anthrax Christchurch show cancelled

 Following advice from the Police and Christchurch City Council, Vbase has made the decision to cancel the Slayer concert which was due to take place at Horncastle Arena on Sunday 17 March.

“The advice we have received is too compelling to ignore and we have made this decision in conjunction with the Police and Christchurch City Council. We understand fans may be disappointed, however, we feel that it is in the best interest for the safety and wellbeing of the public after the tragic events which unfolded across our city 24 hours ago,” Tim Scandrett Vbase Board Chairperson and Chris Mintern Vbase General Manager said.

“On behalf of Vbase our heartfelt deepest sympathies go out to all the families affected by the recent tragedy.” 

Saturday, 2.20pm

PM and Mayor meet with Muslim community

Mayor Lianne Dalziel and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have met with members of the Muslim community this afternoon to offer their support.

They have also met with families of those killed in Friday’s mosque shootings.

 

Saturday, 1.35pm

Latest road closures

  • Blenheim Rd CLOSED between Clarence St and Moorhouse Ave
  • Deans Ave CLOSED between  Kilmarnock St
  • Moorhouse Ave CLOSED between Lincoln Rd and Blenheim Rd
  • Riccarton Ave CLOSED between Hagley Ave and Deans Ave
  • Riccarton Rd CLOSED between Clarence St and Deans Ave
  • Linwood Ave CLOSED between Aldwins Rd and Worcester St
  • Cashel St CLOSED eastbound to Linwood Ave
  • Hereford St CLOSED eastbound to Linwood Ave
  • Blenheim Rd CLOSED between Clarence St and Moorhouse Ave
  • Moorhouse Ave CLOSED between Lincoln Rd and Blenheim Rd
  • SH76 Brougham St Closed westbound between Burlington and Antigua St
  • SH76 Brougham St CLOSED eastbound between Antigua St and Montreal St
  • Montreal St CLOSED southbound from Montreal St
  • Durham St NO westbound access to Brougham St

Saturday, 12.25pm

Condolence book set up at Tūranga

A condolence book has been set up on the ground floor of Tūranga, the central library, so people can leave messages of support and sympathy for those affected by Friday's mosque shootings.

Saturday, 11.50am

New fund established to support families

The Christchurch Foundation, at the Mayor's request, has established a new fund to help raise money to support the families and Muslim communities impacted by Friday's tragic events, now and into the future.  The fund is called Our People, Our City.

 Anyone wishing to gift to the fund can do so by at any TSB branch or by bank transfer to the Foundation’s established bank account listed below: 

 The Christchurch Foundation 15-3976-0091104-80

Amy Carter, chief executive of The Christchurch Foundation, says The Christchurch Foundation will work with Muslim communities to identify how the funds will be distributed and when.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by what is happened in our city yesterday.  Christchurch remains a place where all peace-loving people are welcome and warmly embraced by our community,” says Mrs Carter.

Saturday, 11.10am 

More event cancellations

Tonight’s performance of The Music of Bond at the Christchurch Town Hall has been postponed until further notice.

Polyfest 2019 has also been postponed.

The Openair Cinema has been cancelled tonight.

Beats and Eats down our Street, on New Regent Street, has been cancelled.

Saturday, 11am

Offers of assistance

People wanting to offer practical assistance to those affected by Friday’s tragedy can call the Council Contact Centre on 941-8999 (or  0800 800 169) or email info@ccc.govt.nz. Staff will record all offers of assistance and forward them to the appropriate agencies.

Saturday. 9.50am

Attacks an 'act of cowardice'

Mayor Lianne Dalziel has described the terrorist attacks at two Christchurch mosques on Friday as an “act of cowardice.’’

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Mayor Lianne Dalziel spoke of the city’s shock and disbelief at the events that had unfolded.

“The reason we have been targeted … was because we are a safe city in a safe country. In my response to the choice of Christchurch by this terrorist individual who chose to terrorise our city, it is an act of cowardice that he has performed.

“There are no words to describe the revulsion that I feel for the propaganda that he wanted to bring with this and I will not give voice to that propaganda. His was the voice of hate and the only way that communities can respond to the voice of hate is to come together in love, compassion and kindness.’’

The Mayor said the immediate priority today was on providing practical support to the victims’ families.

She said if people wanted to leave floral tributes, they should take them to Rolleston Avenue and place them along the frontage of the Botanic Gardens.

Watch the full press conference:

Saturday, 7.30am

Events cancelled

The Bryan Adams concert scheduled to be held in North Hagley Park on Sunday has been cancelled.

The cricket test at Hagley Oval between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled.

The Anthony Harper Summer Theatre in the Botanic Gardens scheduled for today (Saturday) has been postponed until Sunday.  

All sporting activity scheduled for Hagley Park has been cancelled by the sports community. This includes cricket, football, softball and pre-season rugby across the whole city.  A few club games of baseball, league and touch at other parks around the city may occur. Please check your sports code's websites and Facebook pages to check what games are on.

People who want a place to lay flowers for the victims of Friday's shootings are being encouraged to leave them along the Rolleston Avenue frontage of the Botanic Gardens (along from Canterbury Museum, opposite the Arts Centre).

Flags at Council-owned buildings in the city are flying a half-mast until further notice.

A support package is being put together for victim's families and a special fund is being set up.

Friday, 9pm

Road closures

The following road closures are still in place:

  • Blenheim Rd CLOSED between Clarence St and Deans Ave
  • Deans Ave CLOSED south bound from Kilmarnock St
  • Moorhouse Ave CLOSED westbound Lincoln Rd
  • Moorhouse Ave Closed from Lincoln Rd to Deans Ave
  • Riccarton Ave CLOSED westbound from Hagley Ave
  • Riccarton Rd CLOSED eastbound from Clarence St
  • Linwood Ave CLOSED between Aldwins Rd and Worcester St
  • Cashel St CLOSED eastbound to Linwood Ave
  • Hereford St CLOSED eastbound to Linwood Ave
  • Blenheim Rd CLOSED eastbound from Clarence St
  • Moorhouse Ave CLOSED westbound from Montreal St
  • Christchurch Southern Motorway CLOSED eastbound from SH73 / SH75  Curletts Rd interchange
  • SH76 Brougham St CLOSED westbound from Waltham Rd
  • Montreal St CLOSED southbound between Moorhouse Ave and Brougham St
  • Durham St NO westbound access to Brougham St between Durham St and Barrington St

If you have an urgent need to attend Christchurch Public Hospital or Christchurch Womens Hospital there is currently NO ACCESS via Riccarton Ave.  Access is available as follows:

  • From the south via Montreal St, St Asaph St, Hagley Ave
  • From the north via Durham St, Asaph St, Hagley Ave
  • From the east via St Asaph St, Hagley Ave
  • From the west via Lincoln Rd, Moorhouse Ave, Montreal St, St Asaph St, Hagley Ave or via Fendalton Rd, Harper Ave, Bealey Ave, Durham St, Asaph St, Hagley Ave.

Friday, 8.20pm

The following libraries are closed tomorrow: Hornby, Lyttelton, Bishopdale, Redwood and Spreydon. The rest of the libraries will open at midday.

Friday, 6.10pm

Lockdown lifted

The lock-down has been lifted on all Council buildings and facilities, meaning people are now able to return to their homes. Public facilities, including pools and recreation centres, will be closed for the remainder of the night. 

Sport and recreation centres will be open as usual tomorrow.

Please be aware that there may be some road closures and traffic delays because of the ongoing police operation.  For more information on road closures check out the Transport for Christchurch Facebook page.

Friday, 5.05pm

Mayor delivers message

Mayor Lianne Dalziel has spoken on the Council's Facebook page about the unfolding incidents in the city Here is a transcript of what she had to say:

I would never believe I would be standing in front of a camera and talking to the people of Christchurch about the shocking incident that has affected us all. We still have sketchy details about what has actually happened and I will certainly be trying to get messages out to people as soon as I have more information to give. The city remains in lock-down and it is important that if people are inside, they stay inside. Don’t venture out. This is still an active situation and Police are still doing everything they can to get the situation under control.

The schools are in lockdown – the children are at school and they are safe. We have all of our facilities in lock-down – we are not letting people in and we are not letting people out.

I think it is really important that people remain absolutely calm and feel free to talk to friends and family about the feelings that you will have. It’s natural. I could never believe that something like this would happen in the city of Christchurch, but actually I would never believe that this would happen in New Zealand. It looks as if simply the worst has happened.  We need to pull together and get through this situation.  

I do apologise to those who are deaf. I would have somebody who signs standing beside me but because of the lock-down I cannot get anyone into the building to support me. We will get a transcript of this up as soon as we possibly can.

Please send a message to any family or friends and pass it on that we are to keep ourselves safe under the circumstances and as soon as we know any different we will let you know what is going on. There is a lot of speculation happening right now and all we can do is trust the Police to do what they do best and to support them in the directions they have given us.

Thank you for your time. I’m really sorry to be saying this to you today.

Friday, 4.50pm

Bus services in Christchurch have been in lock-down but Environment Canterbury is about to resume services. However, some services may be affected by road closures.

Friday, 3.35pm

The current road closures are in place:

  • Blenheim Rd CLOSED eastbound from Clarence St
  • Moorhouse Ave CLOSED westbound from Montreal St
  • Riccarton Rd CLOSED eastbound from Clarence St
  • Deans Ave CLOSED south bound from Kilmarnock St
  • Linwood Ave is CLOSED between Aldwins Rd and Worcester St
  • Moorhouse Ave CLOSED westbound from Montreal St
  • Christchurch Southern Motorway CLOSED eastbound from SH73 / SH75  Curletts Rd interchange
  • SH76 Brougham St CLOSED westbound from Waltham Rd

 Motorists are advised to avoid any unnecessary travel around the city at this time.

Friday, 3.30pm

Parents who are worried about children who may be at Council facilities can be assured that Council staff are looking after them. Please do not try and get to them while the police operation is still under way. You will be advised when it is safe for you to pick them up.

Friday, 3.20pm

Police road closures are in place on Brougham St between Strickland and Durham streets. Linwood Ave is partially closed.

Deans Ave is closed between Riccarton Rd and Moorhouse Ave.

Friday, 3.10pm

All Council-owned facilities across the city are now in full lock-down.

If your child was attending the climate change protest in Cathedral Square and you want to check if they are in the Civic Offices, please call the Council Contact Centre on 941-8999. Council staff will take your details and check if your child is in the building. Please do not try and come and collect your children until police say it is safe for people to come into the central city.

Friday, 2.50pm update

All Council buildings in the central city are now in complete lock-down, with no one allowed in or out. This lock-down will remain in place until further noticce.

Friday 2.40pm update

“We are encouraging people visiting Tūranga, the Christchurch Art Gallery and other Council-owned buildings in the central city to stay indoors. We will be restricting access to our facilities and will require people wanting to enter toshow identification,’’ says Council General Manager Citizens and Community Richardson.

“If you were planning on coming into the city centre to visit our facilities this afternoon, we urge you to stay away.

“We have opened up the Civic Offices to some of the student protestors who were in Cathedral Square when the shooting occurred and will keep them here until we get the all clear from police.

“We have also advised all our staff to remain inside until this situation is resolved,’’ Ms Richardson says.