Fact Sheet for Media – Thursday 21 March

As you are all aware a terror attack in Christchurch on Friday 15 March left 50 people dead and dozens seriously injured.

We have put together this fact sheet to assist media with their coverage of this tragedy.

Please note this is an evolving situation, with things changing quickly. The Council’s Newsline page is being updated with the latest developments as we become aware of them, and is the best place to go if you need quick, accurate information.

Burial arrangements
Burials are under way for the victims of the mosque shootings. Most of these are taking place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Linwood.

Some families have agreed that media can film from outside the cemetery but they do not want media in the cemetery. The families have asked media not to approach or interact with them.
Please show respect for the families at this distressing and emotional time.

Also please do not photograph or film any bodies being lowered into the graves, or other headstones or grave sites within the cemetery.

When we know burials are occurring, we will send out a media advisory.

Friday prayers
We will send information on Friday prayers as soon as arrangements are confirmed.

National response
• The Prime Minister has announced a two minute national silence on Friday 22 March to mark one week since the terrorist attack. This will be broadcast nationally on TVNZ and Radio New Zealand. More details are expected later today.
• A cross-agency team has been established to deliver a national memorial event. Discussions are being held with the Muslim community to establish an appropriate date for this event. We will advise details of the national memorial event when plans have been finalised.

Commemoration events
There are a large number of planned vigils and events around Canterbury and New Zealand over the next few days in commemoration of the events on 15 March. The main events in Christchurch are:

• The March for Love (https://www.facebook.com/events/615538675578234/) will be held in North Hagley Park on Saturday 23 March at 10am. All public transport, including the Diamond Harbour ferry, will be free between 7am and 2pm.

• The Remember Those Who Lost Their Lives 15-3-19 (https://www.facebook.com/events/cathedral-square-christchurch/remember-those-who-lost-their-lives-15-3-19/441867649884886/) gathering will be held in North Hagley Park on Sunday 24 March between 5pm and 7pm. All public transport will be free from 2pm for this event.

• Environment Canterbury has announced it will provide free public transport for anyone wishing to attend the two community-led gatherings mentioned above, arranged for this weekend. Bus service will run to their usual timetables and we’re advising people to allow extra time for their journey.

• A condolence book has been set up on the ground floor of the central library, Tūranga, where people can leave messages of support and sympathy. Tūranga is open from 8am until 8pm on weekdays, and from 10am until 5pm at weekends.

• The Great Hall at the Arts Centre of Christchurch in Worcester Boulevard is open as a place of reflection and gathering. All are welcome.

Floral tribute
• We are encouraging people to lay flowers and pay their respects on Rolleston Avenue along the Botanic Gardens frontage. Flowers are also being placed at the corner of Deans Avenue and Riccarton Road; the intersection of Linwood Avenue and Aldwins Road; and the intersection of Cashel Street and Linwood Avenue. You can find out more here.

• In preparation for the removal of cordons along Deans Avenue, the flower tribute along Deans Avenue will be moved by Christchurch City Council staff and volunteers including Friends of the Botanic Gardens and the Student Volunteer Army. The tribute will be carefully re-located to outside the mosque further along Deans Ave, at the request of the Muslim community.

Ways to show support

• The Christchurch Foundation has set up the Our People, Our City Fund to raise money for the ongoing support of the families and Muslim communities. People can contribute at most banks, or by bank transfer to the foundation’s bank account: The Christchurch Foundation 15-3976-0091104-80.

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

• People wanting to offer practical assistance to those affected by the mosque shootings can call the Christchurch Council Contact Centre on 941 8999 (or 0800 800 169) or email info@ccc.govt.nz. Staff will record all offers of assistance and make sure they get to the right place.

• Food voucher donations are also much appreciated. These can be delivered to the main counters at the Council Civic building at 53 Hereford Street or any Council Service Centre.

More details about how people can help are here.

Unrelated city events
• Le Race and City to Surf are going ahead as planned.
• Primary school sport at Hagley Park has been cancelled for Friday 22 March. Saturday sport will go ahead as scheduled.

Road closures
• There are still road closures in place around Linwood / Eastgate, Deans Avenue and Hospital Corner.
• Details about road closures can be found on the Transport for Christchurch’s Facebook page (facebook.com/transportforchristchurch).

We hope this information is useful. It is our intention to send you an updated fact sheet daily.

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