National memorial day for tsunami victims

The compassion expressed by New Zealanders for the victims of the Boxing Day tsunami has been overwhelming, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today after a minute's silence was observed across the country as part of the national memorial day.

Helen Clark made the comment while addressing an interfaith memorial service at Auckland's Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, to honour the more than 160,000 people who lost their lives as a result of the devastating waves which smashed into 13 Indian Ocean countries on December 26.

At least six New Zealanders lost their lives in the tsunami and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said at least one other is presumed dead.

Helen Clark's address began after a minute's silence was observed at 1.59pm -- the time in New Zealand when the massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra.

The Prime Minister said the tsunami -- the most widespread natural disaster in living memory -- was a "catastrophe without precedent".

She said New Zealanders had responded generously to appeals for funds to help the affected communities.

"Across religions, faiths, and beliefs; across ethnicities and national boundaries, the common humanity of people has shone through at this time of great adversity for so many."

The Government has pledged $10 million in aid to tsunami-hit countries and members of the public have donated more than $5 million to aid agencies' relief efforts.

Helen Clark said she hoped the permanent memorial for tsunami victims would be "enhanced solidarity and a strengthened sense of community worldwide".

She said that her thoughts, as well as being with the dead and with the many communities in New Zealand from the devastated regions, were with the New Zealand police, civilians and Defence Force staff helping in the relief effort.

Bishop Richard Randerson, the cathedral's dean, said God was not responsible for the disaster, for which there were ready scientific explanations, but God had been found in the compassion and generosity directed towards those affected.

The interfaith service was also addressed by members of the Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and Jewish faith.

The service was part of a wider memorial day for the tsunami's victims, which also included memorial services in other centres.

In Christchurch there was an interfaith service at Cathedral Square. After the minute of silence, wreaths were laid in the Square. Children read poems during the service.

The Indonesian student association of Canterbury initiated the service.

Spokesman Rijal Idris said it was an ideal time to reflect on the tragedy.

The bells of the Cathedral rung from 1.58 and fall silent at 1.59 to mark the start of the national minute of silence.

National memorial day for victims of the Asian tsunami:

* At formal events and privately, New Zealanders took that minute to remember those whose lives were destroyed or affected.

* Television channels and radio stations went quiet for 60 seconds.

* Flags on Government and other buildings flew at half-mast.

* Sky City's properties in Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown were officially mark the day by observing the minute's silence in their restaurants, bars and gaming floors.

* In Auckland, the Sky Tower will not be lit tonight, except for air traffic lights.

* A Green Party Picnic for the Planet on Waiheke Island will raise funds for aid agency Oxfam's tsunami appeal.

* People will continue to add to the estimated $9 million raised so far by six of New Zealand's main charities.

- NZPA and NEWSTALK ZB