Shocked Kiwi expats assert attack does not represent New Zealand

"The attacker who killed 49 people in New Zealand does not represent who we are or our country." This is the message from Kiwi expats in the UAE, who were struck with shock and grief after seeing the horrific events unfold in Christchurch on Friday. 
A total of 49 New Zealanders offering their Friday prayers at Al Noor and Linwood Mosques in Christchurch were killed by an Australian gunman on March 15.
Widd Bonney, an expat who runs the 'Kiwis in Dubai' community page on Facebook, told Khaleej Times that "it was a horrible day" for not just New Zealanders, but for all humans.
"The prime minister said it best when she said 'they are us'. People leave wars, leave persecution, and come to New Zealand to make it their home because we are a safe, welcoming and tolerant nation and people," he said.
"So, this just really shocked us and what's sad is that New Zealand will never ever be the same again. We lost our innocence. But what has been great to see is New Zealand standing together. Just look at how people from all walks of life - Muslims, Christians or non-believers - just all came together to stand strong and say 'we are one'."
One Kiwi in the UAE, Salam Arif, woke up to the news on Friday and was "saddened beyond belief".
He insisted that New Zealand is a very safe country, which is why the events came as a shock to most.
"The main problem is that it's not just a racial attack against Muslims. This person has attacked the way of life of New Zealanders. One thing every New Zealander was certain of was how safe this country is. We go to sleep with our doors unlocked, we keep our things in our car, we never have to worry. We have minor offences that happen day to day, but what just happened has completely destroyed that image. I think that's the main fear New Zealanders have," Arif said.
He added that carrying out racial attacks is not "who we are" and does not represent New Zealand.
"The racial attack is just disgusting. It's not who we are. There's no such thing as racism in New Zealand in the general picture of things. Everyone who lives in New Zealand is a New Zealander, regardless of skin colour, where they were born or what they believe in. "Now, people are going to start thinking twice before leaving their house and in every step they take because there's a possibility of being unsafe. This is what this person has done - he has struck fear in a place that has never experienced fear and distrust," Arif said.
Andy Fordham, another Kiwi in the UAE, said the news was shocking as New Zealand "does not have a gun culture".
"Police don't carry guns by their sides. The country has very tight gun controls, compared to many countries in the world. How do you do a background check on five million people?
"Rogues will always prosper, but what is unique about New Zealand is its size. As a country, we embrace victory and stand together in the face of terror. We have to stand up to these people whose brains are wired to hate," Fordham said.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com
 

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