Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern opened the Hagley Park vigil, held to mourn those who lost their lives in the Christchurch terror attack, with a short and poignant speech.
Dressed in black and wearing a hijab, Ardern addressed the crowd of thousands.
"According to Muslim faith, the prophet Mohammed, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said the believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body," she said.
"When any part of the body suffers, the whole body feels pain.
"New Zealand mourns with you. We are one."
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As is customary, Arden followed the utterance of the Prophet Mohammed's name with the blessing "sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam," meaning "peace be upon him".
As she stepped away from the microphone, two members of the audiences called out.
"Thank you," said one, as another said "Bless you!"
Ardern's speech was followed by the Islamic call to prayers, the adhan.
As the adhan rang out across Hagley Park, mourners at the sea of flowers outside the park bowed their heads.
After the adhan, silence fell across New Zealand. For two minutes, the nation mourned and remembered the 50 people who lost their lives.
A nation, united by tragedy, standing strong in remembrance.
Newshub.
