Viewpoint – Time for unity

After the unprecedented act of terror last month, now is not the time to talk about politics. Now is the time for unity; for New Zealand to heal together. Friday, March 15, will forever be a day etched in New Zealand’s collective memory. On a quiet afternoon, a terrorist stormed into a place of peaceful worship and took away the lives of 50 people. That quiet Friday afternoon has become one of our darkest days.  

In the face of such terror, I’ve been struck by how New Zealanders have come together to support our Muslim community. The experience of attending several vigils and memorials has deeply touched me. Putting our grief into words is so hard. Words are never enough, but I still took solace in the Prime Minister’s words to Parliament in the week following the attack. I hope you can take some solace in them, too. Here’s what she said …

For the families, it was the day that the simple act of prayer – of practicing their Muslim faith and religion – led to the loss of their loved ones’ lives. Those loved ones were brothers, daughters, fathers and children. They were New Zealanders. They are us. And because they are us, we, as a nation, we mourn them. We feel a huge duty of care to them. We have so much we feel the need to say and to do. One of the roles I never anticipated having, and hoped never to have, is to voice the grief of a nation. At this time, it has been second only to securing the care of those affected, and the safety of everyone.

We cannot know your grief, but we can walk with you at every stage. We can, and we will, surround you with aroha, manaakitanga and all that makes us, us. Our hearts are heavy but our spirit is strong.

The Prime Minister also told the story of Hati Mohemmed Daoud Nabi. He was the 71-year-old man who opened the door at the Al-Noor mosque and uttered the words, “Hello brother, welcome”. His final words. He had no idea of the hate that sat behind the door, but his welcome tells us so much – that he was a member of a faith that welcomed all its members, that showed openness and care. We are a nation of 200 ethnicities, 160 languages. We open our doors to others and say welcome. And the only thing that must change after the events of Friday, is that this same door must close on all of those who espouse hate and fear.

One thing is clear: we can’t allow this to happen again. We have been working quickly to finalise changes to make our community safer.

Marja Lubeck, Rodney-based MP
marja.lubeck@parliament.govt.nz