The first responders and others were recognised with awards for their courage and bravery on March 15 in response to the country's worst terror attack.
Operation Deans, as it was dubbed by police that day, is the largest police response and investigation in New Zealand's history.
It was a day that changed the shape of Aotearoa's future and it left a dark stain on our past.
On Tuesday, over three years on, police were awarded for their heroic efforts.
"Without them, we wouldn't be able to stand on our feet again," Imam Gamal Fouda from Al Noor Mosque said.
Superintendent John Price said today marks an important day for police who responded in the days, months and years after.
"To get some closure but also to recognise the heroic activity, the courage that was demonstrated by our police team."
Sixty-six awards were given to police who were involved on March 15. It included staff who were first to arrive at both mosques and those that followed them, and it also included those who attended the wounded.
The ceremony was done in private to respect and protect the victims, the first responders and the details of that harrowing day.
Gamal Fouda lead the prayers on that dreadful day and spoke at the awards of a poignant moment not shared before.
It was 3am at the hospital after the attack and he had the job of reading out the names of those who had been killed to 500 or so waiting family members.
He was left in a room alone after feeling hopelessly devastated when an officer tapped him on the shoulder.
"And said we are here for your support and would you like me to drop you home? And they took me home to my wife and children for the first time."
"The imam was going through a terrible crisis himself and for one of our staff just to put his hand on his shoulder to give him that reassurance and trust is worth a million dollars," said Supt Price.
But police say the Muslim community were and remains the true heroes.
"They were the true first responders on that day and have continued to respond and lead the country."
Responding together has formed a lasting bond between the Muslim and police communities.
