Christchurch attacks close to home for many Gold Coast residents

The New Zealand community on the Gold Coast has shown their support to those affected by the Christchurch attack by gathering for a Haka.

FOR many Gold Coasters the Christchurch attacks hit close to home.

That’s why New Zealand born Gold Coast resident Dion Tuamata helped organise a Haka at Surfers Paradise today.

Hundreds of people gathered along the esplanade to share a minute of silence before being invited to join in the traditional performance.

A minute of silence held at Surfers Paradise today to show support for those affected by the Christchurch attacks. Picture: Alexandra Bernard.

It was moving moment that had many on the verge of tears.

Mr Tuamata, who hails from Christchurch, was overwhelmed by the turnout.

“The Gold Coast always pulls together when something happens, and this is nothing different,” he said.

“Christchurch is very dear to my heart and it’s great to have the support of the community as always.

The Haka performed at Surfers Paradise today to show support for those affected by the Christchurch attacks. Picture: Alexandra Bernard.

“It’s a very emotional thing — you’ve got to attach emotion to perform the haka and we’re just trying to show support to the brothers and those ones that passed away.”

Josiah Komene moved to the Gold Coast from Christchurch three years ago.

“It’s not so easy to go back home so I thought I would come down here to show support,” he said.

“(The main message is) just to unite with us around the world and here on the Gold Coast and realise we’ve got their backs,” he said.

Jo, Jason and Sofia Allender came to the Haka performance at Surfers Paradise today to show their support for those affected by the Christchurch attacks. Picture: Alexandra Bernard.

Jo Allender attended the event with her husband Jason and two children.

“We came to support Christchurch, support the families in the tragedy that has happened,” she said.

“There’s so much they’ve already been through and this just is absolutely devastating.

We want to show we’re all one, and we’re not going to stand for terrorism.”

Mr Allender, who comes from Christchurch, said it was an important time to teach his kids important social messages.

Flowers laid at Surfers Paradise today for the victims of the Christchurch attacks. Picture: Alexandra Bernard

“We’re a multicultural family and racism is probably the worst thing ever and we want to show our kids that,” he said.

Originally from New Zealand Willie Fair laid flowers to show his respect.

Mr Fair said his first reaction of the attack was shock and disgust.

“Disgusting, absolutely disgusting,” he said.

“We don’t expect that kind of thing in New Zealand or Australia. What the hell’s going on with the world?”