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

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