National Party leader Simon Bridges gave a tribute in Parliament today to those who lost their lives in the Christchurch mosque terror attack.
It was the first sitting in the House since the attack on Friday claimed 50 lives.
Mr Bridges talked of the "unimaginable hurt" the Islamic community in New Zealand was feeling after the attack.
He said the grief is "shared by all New Zealanders".
Mr Bridges also said we now have a choice ahead of us: "To choose fear, hate or anger, or to choose compassion love and forgiveness."
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The National leader talked about how the attack will "not change us" and stated that we all need to come together regardless of race or religion.
"Today and forever we are all New Zealanders," he said.
A prayer given by Imam Nizam ul haq Thanvi opened proceedings this afternoon.
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