The sentencing of the man who committed the Christchurch mosque attacks in March 2019 will begin on Monday.
Brenton Tarrant killed 51 people and injured another 40 in an act of terror last year. It sparked an outpouring of support for the Muslim community in New Zealand and around the world.
The attack
Brenton Tarrant opened fire at Christchurch's Al Noor Mosque, before driving to Linwood Mosque where he opened fire again.
"The person who has perpetuated this violence is not one of us," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in the hours after the attack. "This is an act that has absolutely no place in New Zealand."
Details of the attack quickly spread across the world, with international media swarming Christchurch to capture what was unfolding.
On March 29, thousands turned up to Christchurch's Hagley Park for a national remembrance service to pay tribute to the victims of the terror attack.
Tarrant's sentencing will start at 10am Monday in the Christchurch High Court. It is expected to last about four days.
How the sentencing will happen
The Crown prosecutor will first read the summary of facts in the sentencing of Tarrant, 29.
Summary of facts are usually read by The Crown when an offender pleads guilty, as Tarrant did in March this year.
He originally pleaded not guilty to all charges in June 2019.
After the summary of facts, survivors of the attack will face Tarrant where 66 victim impact statements will be read to the court.
Forty-seven victims and their family members have been granted an exemption to enter New Zealand to provide support during the proceedings.
Tarrant, meanwhile, has elected to represent himself.
The sentencing will be overseen by Justice Cameron Mander.
Heightened police presence
Christchurch residents can expect a heightened police presence around the city and especially at the city's High Court on Monday.
Police said the sentencing is an unprecedented event that involves a major security operation to keep everyone safe.
Anyone attending the court this week is asked to leave their bags at home if possible, police said.
"There will be visible, heightened security in and around the Justice and Emergency Services Precinct/Te Omeka, including parking restrictions and vehicle barriers in Tuam and Lichfield Sts," said Canterbury District Commander Supt John Price.
"Anyone entering the Christchurch Law Courts will be subject to usual court screening measures and is encouraged to arrive early.
"Police would like to thank the community for their understanding and cooperation as we work together to ensure a safe environment for these proceedings."
