A sweet legacy: How a Christchurch massacre survivor transforms grief into community connection

Saturday, 7 March 2026

Farid Ahmed in the garden he and his wife, Husna, tended. Husna Ahmed was killed in the March 15, 2019 terror attack in Christchurch.

In the quiet suburb of Hoon Hay, Christchurch, Farid Ahmed sits in his wheelchair, surrounded by the garden he and his late wife lovingly cultivated together.

The green bushes she planted still flourish, a living reminder of the gentle heart that touched everyone around her.

Ahmed was inside Al Noor Mosque when a terrorist opened fire on March 15, 2019, surviving the assault but losing his wife Husna, one of 51 people killed. In the face of unimaginable grief, he chose a different path – one of love, compassion and generosity.

But it’s not just the garden that keeps her memory alive. Every year, Ahmed continues a quiet but remarkable act of kindness that touches hundreds of his neighbours: the cake project.

“Right after 15 March [in 2019], we started this cake project,” Farid Ahmed said.

“During Covid we could not do it, [so] this is the sixth year now. The first year we started with about 55 cakes, and this year it’s going to be 150. And yes, we’ll keep it going.”

The cakes — carrot, chocolate and other favourites from Sydenham Bakery — bring a moment of sweetness to everyday life. About 110 will go to homes in the neighbourhood, and another 40 are reserved for volunteers and guests.

Husna, Farid and their daughter, Shifa. Farid remembers his late wife as a compassionate and joyful person.

Cake distribution “is not a huge thing”, said the now-63-year-old Bangladeshi, who moved to New Zealand in 1988 - nearly 40 years ago.

“150 cakes, but 150 families each year. They will acknowledge that a good piece of work brings happiness to us and also that unites our hearts.'

March feels the same to him every year since the tragedy - something Ahmed “carries every single day and can never forget”.

Mustafa Boztas, left, and Ahmed hug at a call to prayer soon after the March 15 terror attack. Boztas was shot in the leg as he fled the attack on Deans Ave.

“For me, it is always on,” he said.

“But when it comes to the week — the March 15 week — we have more activities, and the grief is more acute. I must say I cry a little bit more. But my crying gives me motivation.”

Ahmed said he has focused on two things to keep himself grounded over the past seven years: transforming sadness into motivation to do good, and keeping himself busy doing the right thing.

Husna’s Journey is one of eight books Ahmed has written.

The cake project is just one example.

Since 2019, Ahmed has become a respected speaker and written eight books, including Husna’s Story, about his wife and his journey to forgiveness.

“I started a mind map for the book three days after the tragedy. Writing kept me busy, and it gave me purpose.”

Ahmed at his Hoon Hay home, where he continues the annual cake project in his wife’s memory.

Ahmed shared a simple but powerful idea a friend once shared with him: “’Take a small step, but make sure you succeed.’ I believe in that very strongly.”

And this year brings new dimensions to his work. Ahmed has proposed to the Government that March 15 be declared a Day of Compassion, recognising both the tragedy and the remarkable response of New Zealanders.

“We cannot just remember something,” he said.

Ahmed’s annual cake project shares kindness with neighbours each March.

“But if we, from the remembrance, if we can take some good action, some good project, then this positive remembrance will continue. Otherwise, it will die one day.”

He envisioned a Compassion Centre in Christchurch where people of all backgrounds can meet and learn from one another, and suggests adding a curriculum chapter about the tragedy and the community’s response.

“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all New Zealanders for their compassion.”

His commitment to kindness was inspired by Husna.

In 1998, a drunk driver struck him in Nelson, causing severe spinal and tibia injuries. Doctors gave him a 7% chance of survival. During his days in intensive care, Husna never left his side. When he awoke from the induced coma, she was smiling.

“Once she saw me out of the coma, she said she had already forgiven the driver, saying ‘he must have had a very bad day’,” Ahmed recalled.

“I am just doing what she would do — forgive it and let her soul be honoured.”

Ahmed described his late wife as “very smiley”.

“She was the heart of any function. She could break barriers. She was upfront, confident, genuine. That’s why she could make anyone her friend — easy peasy.”

Looking back over the past seven years, Ahmed said the lessons she taught him guide every action.

“Don’t be afraid when looking at the dark cloud, but think that the sun is smiling behind it.”