Five years have passed since 51 people were killed and more injured in the mass shooting at Masjid Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Immigration New Zealand contributed significantly to the immediate government response, and has continued to provide immigration support to victims of the attacks and their families.

But as Nick Tolan, Head of Operations Christchurch 1, says, this event still feels fresh in people’s minds.

“This event is still sitting in the ‘immediate aftermath’ category for many of the impacted whānau and community,” says Nick.

“All INZ and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) staff who have been involved over these past 5 years should not underestimate the value of their mahi in supporting the community.”

“These events remind us all that we should continue to work hard to build a coherent, inclusive New Zealand society in all aspects of our lives and communities where we can,” says Nick.

Immigration New Zealand’s part in the response

A number of INZ teams contributed significantly to the government response led by New Zealand (NZ) Police.

Most notably, visa processing staff prioritised applications for the families of people killed or injured. Staff also considered options for victims who were in New Zealand on temporary visas.

INZ Operational Policy worked long hours to support a number of policy initiatives required to meet this demand.

INZ and MBIE worked closely with NZ Police to identify victims, and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and at the border to make it easier for international delegations to enter the country.

INZ also worked with external agencies to ensure affected individuals, including victims, their families and the Muslim community in New Zealand had the support they needed.

MBIE also took care to support its people throughout, particularly its Muslim staff and its people in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Ongoing support for victims

Since the attacks, INZ has provided ongoing support for victims of the attacks and their families.

In particular, the visa processing effort has continued. INZ prioritised processing visa applications for the families of victims to attend funeral and memorial services, sentencing of the terrorist, events to mark anniversaries of the event and the First Phase inquest for the Coronial Inquiry into the Christchurch Masjidain Attacks. Risk and Verification staff provided specialist advice to the priority visa processing as needed.

INZ also worked closely with Manaaki Tāngata Victim Support, the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Justice to coordinate support for the families of victims.

A staff member also represented INZ on the Collective Impact Board, which informed the Ministry of Social Development’s wrap-around services and support provided to the affected community.