Everyone will have been profoundly shocked by the massacres in the Christchurch mosques on Friday afternoon. Many of us will find it hard to comprehend that such hatred could be held, and expressed, against people of Islamic faith, gathering for worship.
We know that some of our members in Christchurch will have been close to these terrible events, that they, and their families, and especially their children, experienced the lock-downs and the accompanying anxiety and uncertainty. Some will likely have known, or be connected with, some of those killed or injured.
We send our deepest sympathy and support to all those affected, and especially to the Islamic communities in Christchurch and across Aotearoa New Zealand.
There will be important reflections and conversations in the days and weeks ahead. I am sure that as historians and as scholars, and as citizens, we will contribute as we are able.
Tēnei te tuku i te aroha nui ki a tātou katoa, kia kaha e te whānau.
Jim McAloon
President
New Zealand Historical Association
The New Zealand Historical Association 