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Wainui School got behind the Paper Doll project, which began in Tauranga and aims to make the longest paper doll chain ever, as a symbol of unity in the face of the Christchurch mosque attacks. Wainui students, pictured, made around 2700 paper dolls for the chain and then showed their own unity by holding hands.
The region’s students were quick to get behind various national initiatives in support of the victims’ families. Many also came up with their own ideas to spread a positive message and raise funds. Probably the most widely circulated image of support from this area came from Orewa College. The school sent out its message on Monday, March 18. Principal Kate Shevland says prefects and teachers came in the day before and pegged it all out. It took around half an hour to get the whole school, including staff – around 2100 people – in place. A video is at tinyurl.com/kiakahafromoc. As well as fundraising, the students of Dairy Flat School made 50 paper hearts for the 50 victims of the shooting. Each had a message about aroha and standing strong. Several local schools, including Orewa Primary, pictured, took part in the Colour Your Day mufti day fundraiser on Friday, March 22 – this was a national initiative organised by 24-7 YouthWork and Christchurch City Council. Whangaparaoa College held a formal assembly on March 18, which included a moving performance from the school’s Kapa Haka. This can be viewed on the college’s website. The college also made contact with two schools whose students were directly affected by the shootings and offered ongoing support.
When a man with a semi-automatic and a warped sense of right and wrong opened fire on Muslim worshippers in Christchurch, killing 50 people and injuring almost as many, New Zealanders were shocked into the realisation that this country is not immune to the horrors of terrorist attacks.
And why should we be? Terrorism is, after all, a totally indiscriminate, extreme and irrational form of violence. And bigotry, unfortunately, is everywhere.
Going forward it is more important than ever to acknowledge these things, to take a good hard look in the mirror and try and be better as individuals, as a community, and as a nation. That is one of the challenges laid down by these sorts of atrocities.
In the weeks since the shooting, on Friday, March 15, the outpouring of love and support for the families affected, the country’s Muslims and the wider community has been summed up in the Maori phrase Kia Kaha – be strong.
Many found that strength in taking part in gatherings and fundraising activities.
Around the Hibiscus Coast, this included Colour Your Day, the Paper Doll project and other fundraising events at schools, pausing for silent contemplation with others at work or in neighbourhoods, and a big walk/run around Orewa Estuary last Thursday.
What follows is a celebration of just some of those creative and generous local projects.
Event brings community together
Around 300 people took part in the Get Moving Run/Walk Together For Christchurch around Te Ara Tahuna last week, raising $3693.
The event was put together, in just one week, by Maree Leith, organiser of the MTF Get Moving Festival, and David Kayes of Run NZ.
Individuals, community groups, businesses and families, all came together for the run. on March 28. Hibiscus Matters’ staff also took part.
Participants paid $5 each, although many donated more, to run or walk a portion, or all, of the 7.5km route around Orewa Estuary, starting at Metro Park East.
Funds went to the Victim Support Givealittle page set up for the Christchurch families affected by the shooting.
At the same time, local runner Brad Luiten ran 50km (one for each victim of the shooting) with six laps of Te Ara Tahuna and two of Millwater Parkway. He was joined by others at various stages.
The Gabriel family of Silverdale took part in the run. They say they appreciate everything the community is doing in the wake of the Mosque shootings.
