New Zealand’s annual Polyfest festival in Auckland has been cancelled following horrific mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch in which 49 muslim worshippers were murdered by alleged white supremacists.

In a statement issued yesterday, Polyfest organizers and Seiuli Mauu and Gregory Pierce stated, “The safety and well-being of our student performers, and the public that come to enjoy the festival is always paramount in our planning.”

“Today’s events in Christchurch have unsettled some of our performers, Polyfest staff, schools and our sponsors, and to respect their well-being we have decided to cancel the final day of the festival.”

“If the event had gone ahead there would have been a significant presence of heavily armed police at the festival, which would not have been appropriate for Saturday’s family day focus at the ASB Polyfest.”

Today, 16 March, was the final day of the four-day Polyfest festival, taking place at the Manukau Sports Bowl in Auckland.

Meanwhile, three men have been arrested in connection to the attacks, one of whom is due to be charged with murder today.