A woman leaves a note at a vigil in Auckland for victims of the Hong Kong apartment fire in November. Photo: Supplied / Bevan Chuang
A small crowd gathered at a vigil in Auckland on Saturday to mourn those who died in the Hong Kong apartment blaze in November.
At least 159 died after a fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in the Hong Kong district of Tai Po - the city's deadliest since 1948.
The vigil in Auckland was held at the Ellen Melville Centre in the city centre, with people laying flowers and sharing their thoughts on Post-it notes.
"Hong Kongers, stay strong!" one note said. "In these absurd times, we must hold on to our beliefs. May all the pain come to an end."
"Wishing safety and peace for Hong Kong and hoping that all those who were injured and their families find security and care," another note said.
"Hope the truth will eventually come to light," another said.
Aucklanders attend a vigil in Auckland for victims of the Hong Kong apartment fire in November. Photo: Supplied / Bevan Chuang
Bevan Chuang, administrator of Facebook group New Zealand Hong Konger who helped to organise the event, said one attendee had relatives living in the buildings affected.
"This was a small, intimate gathering that gave our community in New Zealand a chance to come together, to connect and to grieve," Chuang said.
"We know there are Hong Kongers here who have been deeply affected, and through this event we wanted to send aroha to everyone in Hong Kong and around the world - to let them know they are not forgotten," she said.
Aucklanders attend a vigil in Auckland for victims of the Hong Kong apartment fire in November. Photo: Supplied / Bevan Chuang
"This is the most devastating fire the city has seen in seven decades, and we will not forget those who lost their lives or those who fought so bravely."
Reuters reported the company in charge of renovating the buildings had a history of safety violations before winning the renovation contract, and residents were wrongly told by consultant that the company had clean safety record.
Several people have been arrested as part of the investigation into the cause of the blaze.
