More bodies have been returned,
and more burials today of the victims of Christchurch shootings -
but tomorrow is set to be a big day - for more let's cross live
to reporter Irena Smith in Christchurch for the latest.
Irena, it's been reported that there will be a mass burial tomorrow,
are you able to confirm that?
Yes, that is correct.
However, right now it's not currently known
how many will be involved in the mass burial tomorrow.
However, it's understood the mass burial will take place
after Friday prayers and the two minutes of silence.
However, Scotty, the flowers are being moved
from one end of Deans Ave to another
to directly outside Masjid Al-Noor which is about 10 metres behind me.
It's become quite a community event with everyone moving the flowers
to just outside the mosque.
You can smell the scent of the flowers as they move them along.
Burials also continued throughout today.
There were six burials yesterday and I guestimate
there were a further six today.
Fathers, brothers and cousins.
Such a sad state of affairs.
It's been reported that members of the Islamic community
will return back to the 2 mosques
where their fellow adherents passed away.
Can you confirm that's correct?
Yes, police have said they are busy trying to reopen both mosques.
They have finalised their investigations
and evidence gathering that's required by law.
Masjid Al-Noor, behind me on Deans Ave will reopen tomorrow,
it's the location that suffered the most fatalities,
so the Muslim community will be able to return
and hold their prayer services there.
It appears that service will be held at 1:30 pm tomorrow.
That's good news for families of the victims
and the wider Muslim community that their regular prayer services
will be able to be held again.
Their top priority is faith.
The other mosque located in Linwood should reopen over the weekend.
And nationally there'll be a 2 minute period of silence
in tribute to the 50 who died.
Can you tell us more about that?
Yes at 1:30 pm is when prayer services will be held.
The community will get together at Hagley Park
which is near where I am.
That's where the two minutes of silence will be observed here
in Christchurch, just outside of the mosque here.
This afternoon a hui will be held between the Muslim community,
the council and Kai Tahu about what roles they will be playing
during tomorrow's events.
It appears mana whenua will walk alongside the Muslim community
as they re-enter the mosque which stands behind me.
It's a token of support.
That's what the Muslim community would like to happen
as they re-enter the mosque
and resume their faith services there, Scotty.
Irena Smith thank you for that very thorough update.