Six years on from the Al Noor mosque attacks, Christchurch residents commemorate the lives lost under the bridge of remembrance

Cambelle Cook

Self-Published

March 15, 2025

A crowd of attendees at the Christchurch Unity walk in memory of the lives lost in the 2019 Mosque shootings

A crowd of attendees at the Christchurch Unity walk in memory of the lives lost in the 2019 Mosque shootings

Attendees gathered at the bridge of remembrance today to commemorate the fifty-one lives lost in the March 15, 2019, mosque attacks, launching the start of Unity week. The annual initiative, developed in the wake of the tragedy, aims to celebrate the city’s diversity and strengthen community connections.

The Sakinah Community trust, organizers of the Unity Walk, write that the event is designed to rekindle the sense of solidarity witnessed in the aftermath of the attack, with the walk symbolizing a steadfast rejection of hate and division.

Tasman, a Christchurch resident who was at school near Al Noor Mosque, reflects on the days following the attack, “It was definitely very gloomy…is weighted the right word?” she asks.

“It kind of felt like there was a dark cloud over the city, a lot of mourning”.

In the days following the attack, Hagley Community College opened its doors to victims and their families. Rowan Milburn, the Colleges principle, noted the shift in Christchurch’s culture

“The Christchurch of once, was very white and kind of old-fashioned.” Milburn said.

“I think that’s what [the attacks] did, it’s opened people’s eyes and hearts to a different culture, and particularly a different religion. I think before, people probably made judgements that weren’t based on the right things”

Unity week continues with various events across Christchurch, including a book launch, arts showcase, and a stitching & stories event.