Overview
These images and objects document the wide variety of responses in the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attacks. The Masjid Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre were attacked by a heavily armed white supremacist during Friday prayer on 15 March 2019, killing 51 people and wounding about 50 more (the last victim died in Christchurch Hospital on 2 May). The victims ranged from three years old to 78. (He was found guilty on 27 August 2020 of murdering 51 people, shooting and injuring 40 more in an attempt to murder them, and was sentenced to life imprisonment for engaging in a terrorist act. He will serve life imprisonment without parole.)
There was an instant outpouring of grief and outrage in streets throughout New Zealand, from hastily scrawled graffiti to delicate artworks. The photographs taken by Te Papa photographers Michael O'Neill and Maarten Holl document this range of responses which were seen in similar forms throughout towns and cities in New Zealand in the days and weeks after the shootings.
The largest sequence of images features the tribute wall at Victoria University of Wellington, including a panoramic shot stitched together by O'Neill; followed by two impressive murals painted on retaining walls in Aro Valley and Mount Victoria. Key poster images by Ruby Jones and A.R.O. Against racism Ōtautahi were captured on Phantom Billstickers hoardings, while unofficial fly posting and graffiti have also been captured. Images of tributes left at the Wellington Islamic Centre / Kilbirnie mosque, Lyall Bay, represent the many similar spontaneous memorials around the country.
Many of the images include key messages which became familiar to many across the country (e.g. 'Give nothing to racism') while introducing Arabic in public, most notably the greeting 'As salaam alaikum'. In the days after the attack, Wellington City Council contractors were quick to paint over graffiti, but after public outcry, the Council ageed that 'sympathetic and supportive' graffiti on public property could remain in place for an appropriate length of time. Many of these public responses have now gone from the landscape.
Such public images and messaging are often seen in the wake of mass violence. They are touching and provide comfort, but are temporary. The work of addressing and challenging racism, Islamophobia and white supremacy in our history and everyday life continues.