PM Ardern joins common prayer in Christchurch

New Zealand's Prime Minister joined the Muslim community in Christchurch on Friday at a special joint prayer on the anniversary of a shooting which killed 51 people at two mosques. Jacinda Ardern said that New Zealanders have become more engaged with the Muslim community since the attack.

Among those speaking during the prayer service was Al Noor mosque attack survivor Farid Ahmed, whose wife Husna was killed.

"It was a hate attack on 15th of March, but the world is our witness. The Muslim community in Christchurch, they did not retaliate the hate with hate," he said.

"(The) Muslim community in Christchurch despite their struggle, despite their grief, despite the loss of their loved ones, we did not retaliate with hate."

The man accused of the attacks, 29-year-old Australian white supremacist Brenton Tarrant, is due to stand trial in June on charges of terrorism, murder and attempted murder.

If found guilty, he would face a sentence of life imprisonment.