Nearly 2000 competitors, officials and supporters lined the water's edge.
A rogue seagull cut through the silence at Mount Maunganui main beach this morning as the New Zealand surf lifesaving community paid tribute to victims of the Christchurch terror attack.
Nearly 2000 competitors, officials and supporters lined the water's edge at the national championships for a moment's silence from 7.45am showing their solidarity with the New Zealand Muslim community and others affected by the shooting.
For one competitor among the crowd, the silence was a welcomed event.
The surf carnival gearing up for another day in the waves. Photo / George Novak
Wayne Simmons travelled from Christchurch with the Sumner Surf Life Saving Club and had found it hard leaving home and family when there was a heightened sense of anxiety.
"That feeling you got in the pit of your stomach after it happened on Friday was very similar to the feeling we got after the earthquakes.
"Coming here to compete in a positive event is really good for the kids if it helps to take their mind off what has happened for a while."
In the midst of the morning rush before events started, Simmons was grateful there was support for the children.
From left, Justice Cross, Mark Weatherall and Tai Kahn attended the moment's silence on the beach. Photo / Leah Tebbutt
"As a parent, it hurts you to know that your kids are thinking about things like this when they should just be enjoying life and not worrying about stuff.
"There won't be many people here from Christchurch that wouldn't have been affected in some way, or won't know someone in some way that was either hurt or killed.
"It will mean a lot to them with the comradery of their friends around them too and also knowing that the clubs outside of Christchurch are supportive."
Thousands of competitors from the surf life saving competition take time out to reflect this morning. Photo / Leah Tebbutt
Surf Life Saving New Zealand president Brian Velvin made a short speech, while a flotilla of inflatable rescue boats lined the shoreline.
Thousands are on the Mount main beach for a minutes silence at the Surf Carnival
A dozen clubs and nearly 200 athletes have come up from the South Island for the championships including six clubs from the Christchurch area.
Several club members were involved during the incident either through police duties or as emergency responders.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern this week announced a two-minute silence would be held this afternoon, marking one week since the mosque shootings.
It will be a call to prayer like none before in New Zealand, as the nation honours the victims. New Zealanders will stand together in two minutes' silence to remember those gunned down as they worshipped last Friday afternoon.
The sounds of the Islamic adhan, or call to prayer, will be broadcast live across the country, including on nzherald.co.nz and Newstalk ZB beginning at 1.30pm, followed by a two-minute silence at 1.32pm.
