Waipā residents' heartfelt tribute following Christchurch mosque shootings

A heart-shaped display of flowers has been laid on the plaza outside the Cambridge Town Hall. Photo / Brad Rolston

As the nation comes to grips with last week's Christchurch mosque shootings that killed 50 people, Waipā residents have shown their respect for the victims and their families with a giant heart-shaped arrangement of flowers.

The arrangement was assembled outside the Cambridge Town Hall over the weekend and includes messages of support such as "We love all people of all cultures," "New Zealand is still our safe place" and "Kia kaha, Christchurch".

Among those showing their support on Sunday was Cambridge woman Amanda Rawlinson and her sons Levi, 6, and Chase, 3.

Three-year-old Cambridge boy Chase Rawlinson adds to the flower display outside the Cambridge Town Hall. Photo / Bethany Rolston

"We thought we'd come down here to show our respect," Amanda said.

Amanda said she had tried to explain the terror attack to her sons, but that it was no easy task.

"It's hard to know what to say to a child, but I did my best to explain the situation and gave them a big talk about it.

"We thought it was important to come and show our support."

Six-year-old Levi Rawlinson said he was confused about the attack in Christchurch.

"Why would someone do that to people?"

The flower arrangement was organised by members of the Cambridge Community Board.

Cambridge Ward Councillor Sue Milner, who is on the community board, said it was important for Waipā residents to have a way to show their respect.

"This horrific event only happened on Friday and we're all still a bit numb," she said.

"Living in the Waipā, we can't go and bake cakes and take them to the mosques in Christchurch.

"But laying flowers is a way to show we care. Last night there were many people arriving with flowers, which was nice to see."

The events in Christchurch hit close to home for Sue, who is originally from Christchurch and still has family there.

"Linwood Ave is where my father's family grew up and Deans Ave is not far from where I went to school.

"We really feel for the people of Christchurch and it's so sad that someone has done this."

The flowers will be on display until the end of this week.