Tight security is in place for this morning's National Remembrance Service for victims of the Christchurch mosques terrorist attack two weeks ago.
Fifty people were killed and another 50 injured when a gunman stormed the Al Noor and Linwood mosques during Friday prayers on March 15.
Organisers are expecting more than 20,000 people to attend this morning's remembrance service at Christchurch's Hagley Park at 10 am.
Fifty-nine countries will have official representatives attending the service, including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The National Remembrance Service at North Hagley Park will be broadcast live on TVNZ1 from 9:55am and live streamed here on 1 NEWS NOW.
The perimeter of the gathering will be fenced, while victims' families and survivors of the attack will be looked after in a special area.
"When the community come down they will experience something they never have before in Christchurch where there will be significant police to provide reassurance that the venue can be safe," said David Bailey, the event manager.
Some children and teachers have been given the morning off school, businesses are allowing employees to attend the service and five survivors of the attacks will be taken from the hospital in wheelchairs so they can remember along with everyone else.
The We Are One service will feature Cat Stevens and a speech from Jacinda Ardern.
The public is being asked not to take any bags to the service and to arrive early to ensure they have time to find a place so they can pay their respects.
The names of the 50 victims will be read aloud at the service by members of the Muslim community.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the attack is an event that has affected New Zealand deeply.
"But it was our Muslim New Zealanders who were targeted in this act of hatred. Rightly so, that will be reflected in the remembrance service," she said.
The Muslim performer Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens was seen yesterday singing his 1970s hit Peace Train at the park as he prepared to perform at this morning's service.
A number of rural centres have cancelled plans for simultaneous events where the national service would have been live streamed. Councils have cited advice from police that their resources are stretched. Police have said decisions on whether or not events should be held in the current environment is for event organisers.
In Auckland, police are expecting a crowd of thousands at Eden Park, where the Christchurch service will be live streamed. Eden Park will be open to the public from 9am until 4pm, and several roads around the park will be closed.
Public transport will be operating and police have strongly advised people to consider public transport options instead of driving to the Eden Park event.
Police say their presence at the event is for community reassurance and as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
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