Leaders of Muslim countries 'overwhelmed' by NZ's response to terrorist attack, PM says

March 27, 2019

"They've seen the images of New Zealanders standing outside mosque gates, leaving flowers, singing songs,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Countries with high Muslim populations have been "overwhelmed" at New Zealand's response to the Christchurch terrorist attack on two mosques, the Prime Minister said today.

"This was a very direct attack on New Zealand's Muslim community," Jacinda Ardern said from Dunedin when asked if there was a concern from countries with high Muslim populations about Islamophobia in New Zealand. 

Many of the New Zealanders killed in the attack were from countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia and Afghanistan. 

"I've seen an interest in New Zealand's response, no question," the Prime Minister said. "Understandably, there had been a focus from leaders and nations on the response."

Ms Ardern said the feedback she had received in phone calls and messages from world leaders has been positive, with many "overwhelmed at the response of New Zealanders".

"They've seen the images of New Zealanders standing outside mosque gates, leaving flowers, singing songs and have remarked at how extraordinary they consider that to be."

Ms Ardern travelled to Dunedin today so she could visiti an Islamic early learning centre and meet with Muslim community leaders. She also wanted to visit the community, she said, because the alleged perpetrator of the Christchurch terrorist attack lived there. 

"The Muslim community here were acutely aware of that," she explained. "I wanted to hear and talk about their concerns."

She said they had spoken about "the love and support they'd received from those around them". 

"One woman in a room said she'd lived in New Zealand for more than a decade but she'd never felt more at home than the last 10 days. I find that such an astounding message in the wake of what the community had experienced.

"One of the results of this horrific terrorist attack has been we've seen New Zealanders from all walks of life visiting their local mosque, talking with members of their local Muslim community." 

A significant concern of the Muslim community in Dunedin was their ongoing safety, which Ms Ardern said was a priority. 

She said they would look to overseas examples of terrorist attack responses "to make sure we do everything we can to prevent this ever happening again".

"In the wake of this attack, I think it's only right we go back and look at all the legislation we have and make sure its covering off all we have seen and experienced since the 15th of March."

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