A vigil will be held in Taupō on Wednesday night in honour of the 50 people who lost their lives in the Christchurch shootings last Friday.

A procession will leave from the Taupō Islamic Centre on the corner of Tamamutu Street and Kaimanawa Street at 7pm and will walk to Colonel Roberts Reserve on Roberts Street where a short service will be held.

Mayor David Trewavas said the mass shooting was one of the most tragic events in the nation’s history and it was only right there was a public event where people could pay their respects.

“We want to provide the people of the Taupō District a place where they can share their grief, show their support, and pay respect to all of those who lost their lives,” he said. “The effect of this event we know have been far reaching and as the Prime Minister said, it truly was one of New Zealand’s darkest days.”

People may bring candles to the vigil if they wish.

Condolence books are available for the community to sign at the Taupō Library and the customer service centre on Horomatangi Street from this afternoon, and at the Turangi Library and Mangakino customer service centre from tomorrow morning.

Source: Taupo District Council