"This is the most peaceful, lovely place on earth, and will remain so," a soft spoken Palestinian, who did not wish to be identified, told AFP. For a few minutes during Friday prayers, the South Island's "Garden City", this "lovely place" was the scene of unfathomable hate. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called it "one of New Zealand's darkest days". Eight years ago 185 people were killed when a powerful earthquake destroyed much of the central city on February 22, 2011. Locals expressed determination that this tragedy, like the last, would draw the people of Christchurch together, regardless of religion.

Source: Daily Nation March 15, 2019 12:38 UTC