A vigil for Christchurch was held at Te Papaiouru Marae on Saturday.
With Christchurch a roughly 880km drive or an expensive plane ticket away, some in the Rotorua community might feel helpless and unsure of how to show support after the shootings.
So Lily and Omar Al Omari have organised a multicultural vigil and reflection for the community, in memory of the 50 people who died. The vigil will begin at 2.30pm as the prayer time for Muslims is 2pm on Friday and would give people a chance for prayers before they make their way to the Lakefront.
The Al Omari family moved to New Zealand from Saudi Arabia three years ago.
Omar and Lily Joy Al Omari are organising a vigil to commemorate the Christchurch shootings. Photo / Stephen Parker
Lily Al Omari was a trauma nurse in Saudi Arabia and said Friday reminded her of the terrorism she had been on the frontline of and for it to happen here was unexpected.
But one thing she said stood out, was the way the country came together. Horrendous events happened all over the world but she said she had not seen a country mourn and support the way New Zealand did.
"Although the heart aches, there's disappointment and sadness, in return we have to love each other and unite to fight [the hate]."
Te Arawa kaumatua Monty Morrison will MC the vigil and said he felt "honoured, humbled and privileged".
Te Arawa kaumatua Monty Morrison is honoured to MC at Friday's vigil. Photo / Stephen Parker
The vigil will include a minute of silence, Muslim funeral prayer, the New Zealand national anthem, and a haka.
All those who attend are invited to bring a candle. There will be chairs for those who struggle to sit on the grass.
There will also be a donation bucket collecting for the Christchurch Shooting Victims' Fund.
Rotorua Multicultural Council president Margriet Theron has also helped co-ordinate the vigil which has support from the council and police too.
A vigil was first held in Rotorua on Saturday night at Te Papaiouru Marae. Collectors there raised $1153 and yesterday morning that amount was matched by the Rotorua Trust, which also arranged for candles and collection buckets at the vigil.
A total donation of $2350 was made to Victim Support's Christchurch Shooting Victims' Fund after that vigil.
The Friday Vigil Where: The Village Green When: Friday, March 22 from 2.30pm-3.30pm Bring a candle Rain or shine
