Paris terror attacks: NZ's corner of France says kia kaha

People gather during a vigil in Aotea Square in Auckland to remember victims of the Paris attacks. Photo / Getty

New Zealand's own petit corner of France is collectively mourning the victims of the Paris terror attacks.

The mayor overseeing the picturesque Banks Peninsula tourist hot-spot of Akaroa, settled by the French in the 19th century, had told her French counterpart, "kia kaha", or to stay strong.

Akaroa's main street, Rue Lavaud today flutters with many blue, white and red flags in a touching show of solidarity.

All "tricolour flags", including one at the township's historic lighthouse, have been flying at half mast since Saturday's horror killings.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel has written a letter to the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, via the French Embassy in Wellington, to express her sorrow and grief over the tragic events.

She talked about the region's strong historical ties with France, which were recently celebrated with the popular French Fest in Akaroa.

"The ship, Le Comte de Paris, arrived in Akaroa 175 years ago bringing New Zealand's first French settlers," Ms Dalziel wrote.

"As you will imagine, they have been particularly affected by the events in Paris and would want me to express their deep sorrow.

"In our first nation's language the expression, 'kia kaha' means 'stay strong'. And we the people of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula say, 'Kia kaha Paris'.

"We stand with you in your time of grief and in your resolve to stand up to such brutal and senseless acts of violence."

Condolence books have been placed at the Akaroa Service Centre and Christchurch City Council's Civic Offices at Hereford St.

At the weekend, Ruth Eadie posted her message of support on the Facebook page of Comte de Paris Descendants Group, which is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the French, and German, families who landed in Akaroa in 1840.

"Thought and prayers for France and it's people on this sad day - may peace be restored in the land of our ancestors," she said.

A worker at Ma Cherie gift shop today said that although she was not a French descendent, it was "pretty horrific".

"A lot of people have put French flags up and we're certainly all thinking of them."

Another at Akaroa Museum said locals were "certainly distressed" at the scenes coming out of France.

Some locals hope a community memorial event will be held this week.