2 Minute silence today to mark respect for Christchurch victims

Our thoughts & feelings are with the families & people of Christchurch with the unusual, abhorrent terrorist act that occurred on Friday 15th in our peaceful city. Kia Kaha - we will stay strong!

We are proud at the brave response the people of New Zealand have shown in this sad time.

The IT community of Christchurch is grieving and we wanted to especially acknowledge the extremely sad loss of Atta Elayyan who was a talented entrepreneur in the Christchurch tech community.

My heart is broken for Atta and his wife & baby daughter. He was a rare talent - motivated, inspiring, big thinker, friendly & passionate - an all round great guy - you’ll be deeply missed my friend...Rest in peace.

If you would like to give to Atta’s family you can help - please click here.

Or for the Kia Kaha memorial t-shirt to help Atta’s family (last orders Sunday) - please click here:

From Prime Minister of New Zealand - Jacinda Ardern

We, New Zealand, we were not a target because we are a safe harbour for those who hate.
We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism, because we are an enclave for extremism.
We were chosen for the very fact that we are none of those things.
Because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion. A home for those who share our values. Refuge for those who needs it. And those values will not and cannot be shaken by this attack.
We are a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities, 160 languages. And amongst that diversity we share common values. And the one that we place the currency on right now is our compassion and support for the community of those directly affected by this tragedy.
And secondly, the strongest possible condemnation of the ideology of the people who did this.
You may have chosen us – we utterly reject and condemn you.

It is a very sad time but we are extremely proud of the response & actions New Zealanders are taking to create awareness & make positive changes - we’re all in this together.

There will be a 2 minute silence held today (Friday 22nd) at 1.32pm in memorial to the people of Christchurch who lost their lives. What you need to know please click here.