New Zealand

$1.5m already distributed to terror-hit families, says Victims Support

10:42 am on 3 April 2019

Generous Kiwis and people around the world have donated more than $9 million to the Christchurch mosque terror victims.

Tributes and flowers left outside Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch after the terror attacks. Photo: RNZ / Isra'a Emhail

A further $2.7m was also raised by the Islamic Information Centre and $4.8m has been donated to the Christchurch Foundation.

The Give a Little campaign was launched by Victim Support, a Ministry of Justice initiative.

Kevin Tso, chief executive of Victim Support, said around $1.5m of the money has already been distributed to victims for immediate needs such as food, rent, accommodation and travel for relatives.

"The money will be used for the purposes of victims" - Kevin Tso

Mr Tso said the way the remainder of the money is spent will be driven by the community and victim representatives.

"We want to ensure that it's their wishes, it's their money, and that the money does go back to the community in some sort of way that will benefit them."

The donation page is still open and Mr Tso encouraged people to give what they can.