Tonga service honours Christchurch victims [1]
Friday, March 29, 2019 - 17:01
A commemoration service to honour the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack and to acknowledge New Zealand’s National Service Day was held this morning, 29 March, at the Tonga Police Headquarters in Longolongo.
The Tongan and New Zealand flags were lowered to half-mast in respect and honour of the 50 New Zealanders killed at their place of worship in Christchurch on Friday, 15 March.
The Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Semisi Sika, in his address, applauded the leadership of New Zealand’s Prime Minister.
“As we pay our respects we salute the leadership and humanity of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the courage and solidarity shown by New Zealanders to this tragic event.
“I take time to commend the courage and professionalism of the New Zealand Police in putting themselves in harm’s way to protect their citizens, the other courageous First Responders and Emergency Services and all individuals, that went to help with the dead, dying and wounded and those that were blessed to survive.”
He said the world changed for us all on 15 March 2019 and that Tonga Police must be alert and prepared for anything that comes their way.
“We must all be alert to potential threats to our borders and work together to ensure Tonga’s security is not compromised.”
The event was attended by New Zealand Acting High Commissioner HE Ms Elena Procuta, Australian High Commissioner HE Mr Adrian Morrison, Cabinet Ministers, Commissioner for Fire and Emergency Services, Commissioner for Prison, members of New Zealand Police and Australian Federal Police, emergency services doctors, the Salvation Army and His Majesty’s Armed Forces.