On March 15 2022, we marked three years since the devastating terrorist attacks in Christchurch that killed 51 innocent people and shocked communities in New Zealand and around the world.
The terrorist who committed that cowardly act had intended to promote fear and mistrust, dividing our communities from each other. However, he failed utterly in that goal, and the tragedy that our Muslim communities suffered on that day was met by a widespread outpouring of sympathy and support for the victims and their families. His actions united Aucklanders and New Zealanders against the hateful ideologies that motivated the attack.
City of Diversity
Auckland is a proudly multicultural city that embraces diversity as enriching and not dividing us. Auckland is one of the world’s most diverse cities; we are proud of our unique Pacific identity and committed to our city being an inclusive place where all people are equal and treated with dignity and respect regardless of race, creed or colour.
As Mayor, I am determined that we continue to work together to reject racism, bigotry and prejudice and I encourage everyone to call out those who would insult or demean others on the basis of their race or faith, gender or sexual identity.
This March, we reaffirm our commitment to multiculturalism, diversity and mutual respect between all peoples, and say strongly that the ideology of the Christchurch terrorist will never have a place in our city or our nation.
Covid-19 Anniversary
Later this month we will also mark the second anniversary of New Zealand’s Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. This was another occasion where New Zealanders came together to support each other and our communities, working to keep each other safe from the virus.
While the emergence of the highly contagious delta and omicron variants of Covid-19 have required that we change our approach from elimination to managing the virus in the community, the lockdowns enabled us to enjoy long periods without community transmission and helped buy time to vaccinate the vast majority of New Zealanders. This has protected us and stopped the pandemic from having the devastating effect it had elsewhere in the world.
Vaccination remains the best defence against Omicron, with a third or booster dose important for people to avoid the worst symptoms of the disease and reduce the likelihood of serious illness requiring hospitalisation.
Like many others who contracted the virus, I was fortunate to have only relatively mild symptoms as I was fully vaccinated and boosted. I encourage you to get the protection of a booster dose. Please also continue to wear a mask where required and keep up good health practices such as handwashing and physical distancing.
Phil Goff is Mayor of Auckland City. He writes a regular Column in Indian Newslink.
