March 22, 2019
Wairua Maori helping ease pain after massacre
A Christchurch Māori Muslim says the support of iwi and the wider Māori world is a huge help to his Muslim brothers and sisters.
Tyrone Smith has been helping with the burials of the 50 people killed in last Friday’s terror attacks at two mosques in the city.
The Whānau Ora worker says he carried his taiaha, which gave a level of comfort not just to himself but to others.
He also appreciated the support and awhi coming from Ngāi Tahu, who are today hosting a hui at Rāpaki for Māori Muslims.
Mr Smith says it’s a time for people wherever they are to step up and help people through their shock and grief.
"Not only are Muslims on the front line but Māori, we're back in the front again here with the world watching us and our reaction, with our tikanga with is wairua and aroha we have and manaakitanga, it's a big game changer for the world and they will see something different that comes from our country," he says.
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