Doctor On Duty

Christchurch surgeon Hayley Waller talks to Fleur Mealing about being at work on the day of the horrific mosque attacks and her young son’s poignant message to his mum.

- Fleur Mealing

On the sideboard in Hayley Waller’s hallway sits a bright orange card. The hand-made thank you from her son stands proudly amongst treasured family photos. Written inside, “Dear Mummy. Thank you for doing your best in the attack. I’m really happy now. Thank you for keeping me safe. Love from Finn.”

Hayley’s eight-year-old son may not fully comprehend the horror that occurred on March 15 in his home town of Christchurch but he does know that his mum saved lives that day.

“I think they are proud,” Hayley says, smiling at her boys – Finn and his five-year-old brother Arlo – in the room next door.

“They knew something had happened. Finn understood that a whole lot of people had been killed so we did have to talk about it – obviously not in too much detail, but you have to be honest with them as well.”

That Friday started as a regular day at work for consultant general surgeon Hayley. A morning of endoscopies was followed by a class with fourth-year med students, teaching them about the endocrine system. She had also been looking forward to celebrating her husband Ryan’s 40th birthday that night. But the events that followed changed all of that.

Less than 2km away, a man entered Al Noor Mosque on Deans Avenue, opening fire on more than 300 Muslims attending Friday prayers. The shooter then drove to the Linwood Islamic Centre across town, killing in total 51 men, women and children during their time of worship.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described it as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days” and like many Kiwis, Hayley never thought it would be something she would ever see in her lifetime.

“I think one of my first thoughts was that I couldn’t believe this is happening in our country.