Former race relations conciliator Gregory Fortuin asks nation to come together

Friday, 15 March 2019

Former race relations conciliator Gregory Fortuin says people should not provide a place for evil to hide.

A former New Zealand race relations conciliator doesn't think the county's relationship with our Muslim community will deteriorate because of the Christchurch shooting.

Gregory Fortuin said what happened on Friday was so shocking he couldn't even express himself.

'It's just an act of evil and hatred.'

Armed police at the scene of a shooting at a mosque in Linwood, Christchurch.

Police were alerted to a shooting at a mosque on Deans Ave, near Hagley Park, at 1.53pm on Friday afternoon. It is believed the shooting began about 1.40pm. There were at least 300 people in the mosque. A second attack took place at another mosque in Linwood about the same time.

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Four people have been arrested and several bombs found following shootings that have left at least 30 dead.

Fortuin said he did not believe this incident would see a deterioration in the relationship between the Muslim community and New Zealand.

Armed police search vehicles parked outside Christchurch Hospital after the shootings.

'We have developed an amazing relationship with the community.

'Muslims in New Zealand have embodied New Zealand values and we have not had the issues like other countries because of that relationship.

'I don't believe that this will see a deterioration of relationship, but we must all strongly condemn this and jump on anything that will threaten this harmony.'

He said people should not provide a place for this evil to hide and should report anything that could help police inquiries.

'We should immediately call them out.

'Across the community, if there's anything people know, just let the police know.'

Fortuin said his heart went out to the Muslim community.

'They should feel safe in this great country.

'Our hearts and prayers are with them. They are us and we are them and they absolutely belong here'

He said, obviously, the Muslim community was going to be shaken and there were going to be fears, but they were supported by people across the country.

In times like this, he said people should always make sure they remained calm and not try to take matters into their own hands.

'Christchurch has been through so much. It's just terrible as it shouldn't happen anywhere, but I feel for the people of Christchurch.'