NIKKI KAYE: AUCKLAND CENTRAL MP
A time for New Zealand to unite after the Christchurch terror attack Now is the time that we come together as a nation to ensure we never forget the victims of this terrible tragedy and do everything we can to keep people safe. It is difficult not to feel that our country is forever changed by the act of someone filled with hate who gunned down 50 people and so many more wounded. Kiwi children, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters have been robbed of their loved ones. As family members wait for news of those who are fighting for their lives, we continue to thank the doctors, nurses and police officers tirelessly working to save lives and keep people safe. We also thank the selfless and brave people who tried to save others inside the mosques and on the streets of Canterbury.
I am available as your local representative to hear your views on these issues. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office on 09 378 2088 or send me an email on: mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz Authorised by Hon Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central, 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay. www.nikkikaye.co.nz Alternatively, send me an email at mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz
I want to acknowledge our Prime Minister, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, for her leadership during this difficult time.
On the Sunday after the attack I sat in a pew at the Ponsonby Sacred Heart Catholic Church and I cried for the victims. I was moved as I watched the visible love between the religious leaders in the multi -faith service. Their ability to love when people around them are broken shows huge strength. We sang the National anthem and the words “Men of every creed and race, Gather here before Thy face, Asking Thee to bless this place, God defend our free land. From dissension, envy, hate,” seemed to ring out louder that afternoon. We lay flowers and the congregation flowed into Ponsonby Al-Masjid Al-Jamie Mosque. I stayed in the mosque to talk to some of the women and men who have friends or family hurt or lost. The women were sad but strong. They talked of the love they felt from the community. One of the men outside the mosque looked at me tearfully with glassy eyes as he talked about people being shot. The flowers and cards continue be placed and people continue to weep. I, like most MPs, will continue to work closely with communities impacted in Auckland central. We now need to come together as a nation to ensure we never forget the victims of this terrible tragedy and do everything we can to keep people safe. In Parliament and communities, we will need to work through how we do everything possible to prevent this occurring again. In terms of gun law reform, National wants to work with the Government in a non-partisan way to ensure New Zealanders are safe. We have supported the changes to gun laws that have been announced and are working through the implementation of these changes with the Government. We also understand the need to ensure difficult questions are asked around intelligence issues and social media. Many people have also commented on the need to have a zero tolerance for racism and violence. Through my discussions with the community, I know that many people are scared. If you need mental health services please call or text 1737. I know that all New Zealanders have been affected by these tragic events and my thoughts are with you all. Kia kaha. (NIKKI KAYE) F PN
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
photography: Martin Leach
We have had tragedies and loss of life as a nation through terrible accidents and we have had massacres, but this was one of our most difficult days. This ripped our hearts out - so many innocent people gunned down in an act of terrorism. Inside the mosques, Muslim Kiwis were supposed to be in a sacred place, a taonga, a place of worship. Many people saw us as one of the most peaceful nations on earth. So many people have said to me they feel a loss of innocence for New Zealand.
NZ Police Superintendent Karyn Malthus with Auckland Central MP Kikki Kaye pictured at Al-Masjid al-Jamie Mosque, Ponsonby
Hon Nikki Kaye MP for Auckland Central I regularly work on local issues and meet with constituents. Please contact my office if you would like to discuss anything with me Drop In Constituency Clinic: 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay Friday 12 April, 2.00pm
Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Nikki Kaye MP, 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay, Auckland.
PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2019
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