Hundreds have gathered outside Al Huda Mosque in Dunedin to show their solidarity with the city's Muslim community.
Ash Boraman-Ritchie paints a message outside Al Huda Mosque in Dunedin. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
The large group sung and performed a haka for the congregation.
It was the first time the Muslim community had returned to the mosque since Friday's terror attack in Christchurch.
Accused mass murderer Brenton Tarrant had identified the Dunedin mosque as his initial target in posts online before turning his attention to the two sites in Christchurch.
Bouquets of flowers and messages of love and support fill the pavement in front of the mosque.
After saying their prayers, the Muslim community had a meeting with police and city officials before Dunedin Multi Ethnic Council president Paul Gourlie came out of the mosque and stood arm in arm with three others as he thanked Dunedin for its support.
"You being here represents 100 people for each of you who have [shown an] outpouring of love and care as community. We know you don't see us as Muslim, you see us as your neighbour, your friend," he told the crowd.
"We want to thank you. And thank you especially because you help us feel confident to come back and pray in our masjids [mosque]."
A crowd of hundreds gathered outside Dunedin's Al Huda Mosque ahead of afternoon prayers. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
Armed police officers continue to stand guard at the mosque.
The accused gunman had lived in Dunedin for some time before the attacks, becoming a member of a South Dunedin gym back in September 2017.
The car used in the terror attack was bought from a South Dunedin dealership in August 2017.
A child lights a candle outside Al Huda Mosque in Dunedin. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
