Sustaining peace after New Lynn attack

We are dismayed about what took place in New Lynn yesterday.  This was a despicable attack on innocent people. Our thoughts are particularly with the injured and their families, and we send our wishes for healing to all affected.

Countdown New Lynn is the local supermarket for many in our communities, who are left feeling threatened by this. We stand with them and the wider West Auckland community.

This attack is on our way of life in Aotearoa New Zealand. Violent extremism conflicts with our core values.

We remain grateful for the genuine teaching concerning peace that came from Muslim communities in the aftermath of the Christchurch Mosque attacks, and how they followed through on that. Since those attacks New Zealand society has seen attempts at great social inclusion.  Strong expressions of openness and aroha have been shared and it is in those that the enduring antidote to violence and hostility is to be found.

We hope that the great faiths practiced in this country will all help work to mitigate any damage to the fabric of trust from this terrorist deed.

May our shared values and humanity keep us together.