A message for the Muslim community and Christchurch

Our aroha and manaakitanga go out to everyone, especially the Muslim and Christchurch communities.

We are immensely grateful for the commitment and dedication of all doctors, nurses and other health professionals who have been caring for the injured.

We particularly acknowledge the pain, sorrow and heartfelt loss since Friday that our colleagues of Muslim faith will be feeling. It is now time for us to reach out and support one another, to listen, embrace and be inclusive.

We must now, more than ever, celebrate diversity and the inclusion of everyone who calls Aotearoa New Zealand home, wherever they are from, and whatever their ethnicity, religion or culture.

It will take time to heal from Friday’s tragedy, but together all New Zealanders can create a society that is just, equitable, tolerant and that accepts diversity in all its many different forms.
E ngā tāngata kei ōtautahi, 
He mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa,
E tangi tonu ana te ngākau

Nāku noa
 
Curtis Walker
Chair
Medical Council of New Zealand