A survivor of the mosque terror attacks has told a large gathering in Christchurch that he forgives the gunman who committed the atrocity.
Farid Ahmed, whose wife Husna Ahmed was one of 50 people killed in the March 15 attack on two mosques, addressed a crowd of thousands at a National Remembrance Service at Hagley Park.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern walks onto the stage. Source: AP
Delegates from nearly 60 countries also heard Ahmed describe how he doesn't want hatred to be the prevailing emotion.
"I have chosen peace, I have chosen love, and I have forgiven," said Ahmed, who was wounded in the attack.
"I do not hate (the accused) - I cannot hate him, I cannot hate anyone."
Earlier, there was a standing ovation as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took to the stage.
"What words capture the anguish of our Muslim community being the target of hatred and violence? What words express the grief of a city that already known so much pain? I thought there were none," she said. "And I was met with the simple greeting al-Salam Alaikum, peace be upon you."
The prime minister, who has been praised internationally for her leadership in the wake of the terror attacks, put out a global call to end violence and extremism in all of its forms.
"Their [the victims] stories, they now form part of our collective memories. They will remain with us forever," she continued.
Mosque shooting survivor Zaid Mustafa, in wheelchair arrives with his mother to the National Remembrance Service in Hagley Park. Source: AP
"But with that memory comes a responsibility. A responsibility to be the place that we wish to be."
She declared New Zealand would be the country to find the “cure” for extremism.
Australian Brenton Tarrant is the alleged gunman who is charged with murder and is expected to face a raft of further charges next week.
The swelling crowd listened solemnly when the names of all 50 victims were were read out.
Heavily armed officers patrolled the central city park, with snipers and elite staff from Australia reportedly boosting police numbers in what has been described as the country's biggest security operation.
The ceremony coincides with remembrance gatherings around New Zealand which are taking coverage of the Christchurch event via big screens.
Thousands more were expected to attend a service at Auckland's Eden Park on Friday afternoon.
Mosque shooting survivor Farid Ahmed addresses the National Remembrance Service in Hagley Park. Source: AP
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was in attendance, along with opposition leader Bill Shorten and Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
New Zealanders gather at a National Remembrance Service for Christchurch terror attack victims. Source: TVNZ
Before the service, the trio and their wives laid flowers at the adjacent Al Noor Mosque, the scene of one of the attacks on March 15.
Yusuf Islam also known as Cat Stevens performs during the National Remembrance Service. Source: Getty Images
Musician Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, was among several singers to perform.
The ceremony concluded with a stirring performance from some of the best Haka performers in the world.
A choir sings during a National Remembrance Service. Source: Getty Images
