Ayham Semiz, a representative of the Muslim council, said we must not seek revenge as this was not what the Muslim community wanted.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said our country has shown the world that we won't be brought down in fear. "Our home is a place of diversity."
Todd McClay said this last week had not felt like New Zealand at all.
Many of the speakers had recognised the first responders on the scene of the tragedy.
2.36pm Every one is standing for two minutes of silence at the vigil.
2.27pm Hundreds have turned up for the Rotorua vigil this afternoon.
School students, church communities and local leaders are among those who have come down to reflect and remember and to mourn the victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks last Friday.
Earlier:
Today is the only civic remembrance opportunity for the community.
The event is for the Rotorua community to come together in support of the local Muslim community.
The one-hour vigil is being organised by the Rotorua Muslim Community in association with the Rotorua Multicultural Council and Rotorua Lakes Council.
The event will be a time for reflection and for the community to unify and show its support following last Friday's horrific attacks in Christchurch, the council said in a statement.
Extra parking had been made available to help cater for the hundreds of people expected to attend a special one-hour vigil to reflect on the horrific Christchurch terror attacks.