Flags and minute's silence to honour Bali dead

New Zealand flags will fly at half-mast from today until Sunday as a mark of respect to those who died in last weekend's Bali bombings.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday she had directed that flags on Government buildings and naval vessels be flown at half-mast.

A moment of silence will be observed before the kick-off of NPC rugby matches this weekend.

Many young people attending a rugby tens tournament in Bali were among those killed.

Australians have been asked to observe a minute's silence at noon on Sunday for the bomb attack victims.

Prime Minister John Howard has also asked people to wear a sprig of wattle during the day, which has been designated a national day of mourning.

Helen Clark said she was sending a message of condolence on behalf of the Government and all New Zealanders to Mr Howard "as our neighbour mourns its victims of the tragedy this Sunday".

Condolence books, including books for the people of Australia and Indonesia, which suffered the greatest number of casualties, would be available for people to sign from today.

Mr Howard said yesterday:

"As a simple unifying tribute I encourage the wearing of a piece of wattle during the day [Sunday] and also where possible, the planting of wattle seeds as a quiet, personal gesture of remembrance and reflection."

He urged church leaders of all faiths to include a reference to the Bali tragedy in their weekend services.

Mr Howard and his wife, Janette, will mark the day by attending a service at St Paul's Anglican Church in Canberra.

He said the Australian flag would be lowered to half-mast on all Commonwealth buildings.

Mr Howard said he would soon announce arrangements for a national memorial service.

Helen Clark said she had asked the Department of Internal Affairs to prepare a memorial service, to be held at an appropriate time.

NZPA

Bali messages and latest information on New Zealanders
New Zealand travellers in Bali, and their families around the world, can exchange news via our Bali Messages page. The page also contains lists of New Zealanders in Bali and their condition.

Foreign Affairs advice to New Zealanders

* Travellers should defer travel to Bali

* NZers in Bali should keep a low profile and remain calm

* Foreign Affairs Hotline: 0800 432 111

Feature: Bali bomb blast

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