Hawaii gifts Lei of Aloha to Christchurch

A symbol of love, peace and connectedness made 7500km away in Hawaii has been gifted to Christchurch as the city continues to grieve the loss of 50 lives in the mosque attacks.

A moving ceremony has marked the handing over of the Lei of Aloha for World Peace.

The Lei of Aloha for World Peace was flown to Christchurch from Hawaii at the end of last week and was made by 300 volunteers working up to 14 hours a day for three days.

It is made from 14 truckloads of ti leaves and is similar to those gifted to other towns and cities around the world that have been affected by terrorist attacks and mass shootings.

Christchurch’s lei has been made in eight sections, with the intent of gifting one section to the Al Noor Masjid, the Linwood Mosque, Christchurch Hospital, the Police, St John ambulance, Victim Support and Ngāi Tahu.

The eighth section has been gifted to the city of Christchurch and was presented this morning to Mayor Lianne Dalziel.  The lei will be added to the tribute wall on the edge of the Botanic Gardens.

Mayor Dalziel says the gifting of the lei shows how much the tragic events in Christchurch on 15 March have touched not only New Zealand but also the world.

“The effort and love that has gone into making this lei is extraordinary and I am honoured to receive it on behalf of the city of Christchurch,’’ the Mayor says.

Representatives from the Muslim community were among those presented with the Lei of Aloha for World Peace.