Kotahitanga Together

Overview

Auckland Council is doing its bit to support local Muslim communities and remember those lost in the March 15 terror attack. On Friday, 29 March, the Kotahitanga Together event will take place at Eden Park as a way for Aucklanders to honour the 50 victims of the Christchurch mosques attack.

Kicking off at 1.35pm sharp, the event will begin with a call to prayer. The official remembrance program will then take over at 2.30pm with a lineup featuring Dave Dobbyn, Lizzie Marvelly and children from Auckland Islamic schools singing the national anthem, and a haka and waiata from Kowhai Intermediate. One minute's silence and a final prayer will conclude the event.

Auckland's Muslim community has encouraged followers to perform their Jummah (Friday) prayers at Eden Park in a show of solidarity. Attendees have been asked to remove their shoes before entering the prayer room and to dress modestly. Wearing scarves is welcomed, but not essential.

On arrival at the stadium, volunteers will be offering attendees green ribbons to tie around their wrists in remembrance. Collectors will also be stationed at entry points gathering koha (donations) from attendees. Money collected will be given to the families of the victims in Christchurch via approved charities.

Image: Eden Park.