The march of time CHRISTCHURCH a year on

In her words: Jacinda Ardern, Prime minister of New Zealand

HOW GRACE AND FORTITUDE CONTINUES TO SHINE THROUGH

It’s a day that none of us will forget. March 15, 2019 is etched into our collective memory as a date of pain, sorrow and loss that forever changed us as a nation.

Fifty-one worshippers lost their lives that day as they prayed after two Christchurch mosques were attacked by a gunman. A man awaits trial later this year and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

A year on from the shootings, we spoke to those who’ve been deeply affected – some who lost loved ones and others who became accidental heroes. We also asked three of our most prominent female leaders – Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (39), Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy (65) and Mayor of Christchurch Lianne Dalziel (59) to reflect on the anniversary of one of our very darkest days.

LET ACTS OF KINDNESS BE THE LEGACY OF MARCH 15

As I write this, I can hardly believe we are one year on from the day our nation stood devastated, mourning the loss of 51 members of our Muslim community – 51 of us. It feels like yesterday – and for many the loss will feel as great now as it was that day. Things changed that day, and so we changed – and that included our laws.

This has included banning the type of weapon used in the attack. Globally, it has seen countries and companies sign up to the Christchurch Call – a pledge that seeks to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online to stop the internet being used as a tool for terrorists − but that is only part of the story.

That is what the government should and has done, but the kind of change I believe New Zealanders want won’t occur if it is just left to the government. It needs to be done by all of us. Every person must take responsibility for not only their own words and actions but for challenging those of others.