The events in Christchurch are unprecedented acts of violence in Aotearoa New Zealand and have left us shocked and deeply saddened. In the words of our Prime Minister, "this is not who we are."
Our thoughts are with all of our Muslim students, staff members, friends and whanau, and with Otago Polytechnic's Christchurch community. Otago Polytechnic stands strongly for diversity and inclusion, and strongly against intolerance and violence.
Over the weekend, we have seen our value of manaakitaka - caring - in action. Many of you have already reached out asking how you can help. A team of us are working on ways for the Otago Polytechnic community to show our support for our Muslim and Christchurch whanau so that we can demonstrate our three other values - m¯aia (courage), takohaka (accountability) and whakamanataka (empowerment) and show solidarity together.
He waka eke noa
A canoe which we are all in with no exception"
Ways to help
We are all reeling from the attacks in Christchurch on Friday and wondering what we can do to help. Here are some things that you can do:
Donate money to the victims and their families
- Launchgood: New Zealand Islamic Info Centre fund
- Givealittle: Victim Support fund
Show your support to our Muslim community
- Auckland vigil, Sunday 24 March
- Dunedin vigil, Thursday 21 March
- Attend the Dunedin Support for Al Huda Mosque event, 1 - 2pm Friday 22 March
- Central Otago residents are invited to a vigil at the Clyde Railway Station on Sunday (March 17) at 1pm
- Other vigils are being held around the country
- Attend the Supporting former refugees in Dunedin event, 7.30pm Wednesday 20 March
- Attend Dunedin Race Relations Week events, 19 – 25 March
- Sign a memorial book, such as the book in The Hub Atrium (at our Dunedin Campus)
Volunteer
- Contact your local Red Cross and ask how you can help
- Become a volunteer ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) home tutor through English Language Partners
What not to do
There are also some things that you should not do.
- Do not watch or circulate footage / images of the attack
- Do not share images or information about the attacker
What if I need support?
- Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition has set up a number of call centres. Details can be found here
- Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor
- Call Victim Support on 0800 842 846
Published on 18 Mar 2019
Orderdate: 18 Mar 2019
Expiry: 17 Apr 2019