“UNICEF NZ is an organisation supporting children in war zones, places of natural disaster and pandemics all over the world. Today though, our thoughts are focused here in Aotearoa. We are sorting through our responses, our grief and the incomprehension of hate-fuelled terrorism that has killed people in prayer in their sacred place.

To the children waking this morning to find a parent gone, we send you our love.

To the children who yesterday raised their voices for our planet, we salute your voice and your call to action, we hear you.

To the children of Christchurch struggling with trauma and trauma again, UNICEF NZ sends you courage and friendship. We join with all New Zealand in wanting to keep you safe in the arms of your families.

To the children trying to make sense of the tragic events of yesterday, we stand with you. Together we will focus on our love of humanity and our rejection of hate, especially white supremacy. We will move forward as a country focused on healing our planet and nurturing our diverse communities. We will be led by children’s voices, as you tell us about bullying in school, about a planet in crisis and your concerns for our nation’s future.

Like yesterday, as New Zealand’s children marched for our planet and our future, today we choose love.”

© Scoop Media