Illustration by Ruby Jones
Tēnā koutou katoa,
We are filled with aroha and compassion for our Muslim communities, for all migrants, for former refugees and for Ōtautahi/Christchurch after the heart breaking and evil terrorist attack on Friday. Our condolences and love to Muslim and Kiwiburn community members who have been hurt by this attack. As a community, we support all of those in grieving.
Kiwiburn has zero tolerance to Islamophobia, racism, white supremacy and xenophobia. Neither the guiding principle of Radical Self-expression, nor freedom of speech allow room for hate speech and violence.
There are hard conversations ahead for Aotearoa. We need to recognise the causes of hate, and with this bring action and change. We should all look carefully at how hate spreads, is propagated, then stand against it. Racism has been allowed to fester, often because we have not been doing enough to condemn historical casual racism when we see it.
For a list of ways to show your support and solidarity to the Muslim community, and to Ōtautahi/Christchurch, click here. Thank you to Laura O’Connell Rapira (and The Spinoff) for compiling this.
Kia kaha, kia manawanui, to our beautiful Muslim communities and to all Muslims in our Kiwiburn community. The Muslim community IS our community, you are loved, and you are welcome here.
In the wake of these deeply sad events, The Ministry of Health and the National Telehealth Service have created resources giving advice for those experiencing mental distress, including how to help and support children and help with grief. You can read more here and free call or text 1737 anytime.
Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support from qualified counsellors and trained volunteers.
Phone: 0800 543 354 [0800 LIFELINE]
Text: 4357
Te Haika provides mental health, addictions and intellectual disabilities services
Phone: 0800 745 477 / 0800 LIFELINE
Suicide Crisis Helpline
Phone: 0508 828 865 [0508 TAUTOKO]
