Gigi Sosnoski could not believe that the mosque attacks in Christchurch on March 15 had happened in her beautiful adopted country.
Any death was tragic, she said, but these attacks were "incredibly, incredibly horrible."
Ms Sosnoski, one of more than 150 people who attended Friday's memorial service at the Turner Centre, and one of many women who covered their hair as a gesture of solidarity with the Muslim community, said she had moved to New Zealand from the United States more than 15 years ago, in part to escape the gun violence there, and had no regrets about that decision. If anything the attacks had strengthened her resolve to stay; she hoped the tragedy would lead to "a greater good" and better understanding.
"I have great love, admiration and respect for what this country stands for, and the inclusiveness it provides,'' she said.
The service included live-streaming of the national service in Christchurch, the gathering including Far North District Council staff and high school students, who, along with those in Christchurch, applauded Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and attack survivor Farid Ahmed, who said in his address that he forgave the killer even though his wife was among those who had died.
