We are them, they are us, this is our country.

President’s Address

We wake up, preparing for another day ahead, getting on with life necessities, but this is not like any other day. We mourn, we are sad, we are angry, we ask why and how this could happen in our backyard.

 For the men, women and children whose lives were violently taken on Friday 15 March, their families and the Muslim community, we hold on to the outpouring of love, compassion and support that continues to flow from every corner of New Zealand as a beacon of hope and strength for the future.

 New Zealand is home for all faiths, for all cultures and all people. We respect and value each other and treat each other kindly. That’s what makes Aotearoa, this place we all call home so beautiful.

St Vincent de Paul Society in Wellington stands and unites with our brothers and sisters from the Muslim communities. We are a safe space. A space anyone can find assistance and the support they need.

 We are them, they are us, this is our country.

 We hold you all in our prayers.

 Peace be upon you, as-salaam alaikum.

John Kennedy-Good | Area Council President

St Vincent de Paul Society Wellington Area

Image by artist Shaun Yeo.