Cat Stevens to play at Christchurch mosque shooting memorial

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, performs. Photo / File

Cat Stevens will be among a star-studded line up playing at Friday's National Remembrance Service for the victims of the Christchurch mosque shooting.

The Remembrance Service, Ko Tātou, Tātou We Are One, will be held in North Hagley Park starting at 10am, jointly led by the city of Christchurch, the Government of New Zealand, Ngāi Tahu and the Muslim community. It will be broadcast simultaneously at events in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin as well as regional towns.

Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Marlon Williams, Maisey Rika, Hollie Smith and Teeks will be among the well-known artists who will take to the stage.

Maisey Rika will also perform.

Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch, said Friday would be an opportunity for people across New Zealand and around the world to come together with their communities.

"The outpouring of love and support shown to our Muslim brothers and sisters has been heartfelt and has been received in the spirit in which it has been offered," she said.

"It is in coming together as one, standing shoulder to shoulder, that gives expression to this unity and that's what will see us through."

Ūpoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri Dr Te Maire Tau says the Remembrance Service is our opportunity to show the world that we are one community and that our identities are forever woven together.

"Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu have discovered a common identity and sharing of values with our Muslim community in the wake of this tragedy, and this has provided a resounding sense of unity that we can all find strength in," Tau says.

A livestream of the Service will be run on TVNZ Channel 1. People outside of New Zealand can watch via the 1 NEWS NOW livestream.

Teeks is among the line-up for the remembrance service.

Those planning to attend the event were told to allow plenty of time to get there because of the large number of people expected.

Roads around North Hagley Park would be closed to all traffic and pedestrians.

People wanting to attend were advised to take public transport, bike or scooter or park and walk in.

They were asked to avoid bringing bags to the event to avoid potential delays in getting into the event.

The full order of service and further details will be released in coming days.