Christchurch mosque shooting: New Zealanders declare they don’t ‘hate Australia’ as they become frustrated with finding loved ones

As the Christchurch massacre united people in the deepest of sorrows their frustration was not with Australia — it was the fate of their loved ones.

The Christchurch massacre has united people in the deepest of sorrows but nothing was able to contain the frustration of hundreds of family members who gathered Saturday afternoon to plead for authorities to release both the names and the bodies of the 49 victims.

A meeting called by police in the restaurant of the Christchurch Hospital was a scene of despair as people tried to learn the fate of their loved ones.

One young man, Omar, 31, originally from Egypt, has had no news of his father since he went to pray in the Al Noor mosque on Friday.

“I know he’s not on the list of the wounded in the hospital,” said Omar. “So where is he?”

Authorities tried to calm the crowd, explaining that they did not have the identities of all the slain, but said as of Saturday afternoon all bodies apart from four had been shifted from both mosques to main Christchurch Hospital.

Muslim custom requires that people be buried as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. But police explained that forensic examinations were still required. “There is a process we must follow before we can release your loved ones to you,” said Darren Russell. Head of Disaster Victim Identification.

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Hundreds of floral tributes run the length of a wall at the Botanic Gardens in Christchurch which has shot up as a shrine to the people killed. Picture Gary Ramage

“What about the names?” people called from the crowd. Police conferred and an imam spoke above raised voices, saying people had to accept they simply didn’t know all the names because some of the victims were damaged beyond recognition.

The authorities, saying they were unable to give a time frame, concluded by asking people who believe they had lost family members to go home and get photos of them to assist the identification process.

At the same time, the families said they were grateful for the support of the entire Christchurch community. Sama, 39, originally from Iraq and a resident of Christchurch for 18 years, said he felt a great outpouring of support.

“I’ve been hearing from Kiwi friends I haven’t spoken to for years offering their support.”

Omar agreed. “It’s broken all the beef between us. It’s made us a community.”

People began to place flowers at a local park in Christchurch. Picture Gary Ramage

And Sama had a word for Australia, from where the terrorist Brenton Tarrant hails: “We don’t hate the Aussies because of this. It’s just him. He’s just a dickhead.”

Christchurch is known as the most British of New Zealand’s cities, conservative, colonial, surrounded by some of the best farming land in the world and often likened to Adelaide.

Long-time local entrepreneur, Robin Judkins, said the aftershocks being felt in the city were not unlike the earthquake of 2011, which killed 185 people.

“It’s exactly the same reaction as to the earthquakes,” he said. “It’s absolutely numbing and you are looking around for reassurance from everyone you meet.

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“They look straight through you. People are spontaneously bursting into tears. It happened to me three times yesterday. On Friday, you couldn’t rest. So much adrenaline went through me as the numbers started small, and then for a time there was no news. And then it just got bigger and bigger.”

Everywhere around the two mosque massacre sites are people directly affected by the tragedy, trying to deal with it.

Hassan, originally from India, said he was within metres of to the shooter when he entered the first mosque.

“I was standing next to him when he first started firing as he passed through the main gate,” said Hassan.

People began to place flowers at a local park. Picture Gary Ramage

“I was standing looking at my phone when I heard the big sound of firing. Then I saw his firing. He passed me. If he had turned slightly to the left he would have seen me.”

Aisha, who came from Pakistan five years ago, saw one of her good friends being shot multiple times by Tarrant as he live-streamed the massacre.

“My friend Naeem tried to stop the shooter in the Al Noor Mosque by moving in on him. He was literally shot on the video and you can see him lying on the floor. I have lost six friends.”

Aisha said everyone was agitated about getting access to the bodies and while their frustrations were visceral, there was acceptance among the majority that police had more work to do before they could be released.

People began to place written tributes as well. Picture Gary Ramage

Aisha said the Muslims of Christchurch knew that people were trying to help. “We are a minority here but we have not been left alone,” she said. “I’m extremely thankful to all the local communities and all of New Zealand. They have been extremely supportive.”

But part of the pain of being such a small community means everyone knew everyone, or were connected in some way. “We are from all different countries — Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan. We know all of them.”

A woman prays after placing flowers. New Zealand is reeling after a terrorist attack in Christchurch. Picture Gary Ramage

Victoria Harlen, who arrived in Christchurch in 2008 from Ireland, and experienced both the earthquakes and Friday’s massacre, said there was no denying the city was rattled to its core.

“Everybody’s numb,” she said. “When things like this your reality changes. It’s just insane.

“In a way, Christchurch is a symbol. We have this amazing new prime minister, we are doing so much for reconciliation and acceptance of all people with this new government, so it feels like an attack on our democracy. We’re going for a peaceful country that really believes in equality.”

Floral tributes have sprung up all over Christchurch. Picture Gary Ramage

“We are shaken. We frightened but for me, I think it’s going to bring people together. If they’re trying to push us apart, it’s not going to do that. It’s going to bring us together.”

Omar, awaiting news of his dad, said he hoped the massacre would change perceptions. “I’m glad they finally called a white person a terrorist,” he said. “Before, it was just us.”

Originally published as Christchurch mosque shooting: New Zealanders declare they don’t ‘hate Australia’ as they become frustrated with finding loved ones