Clark DavidHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Assalamo alaikum. Peace be with you. The events of 15 March are almost beyond comprehension though sadly all too real. This was an act of violence and terror the likes of which none of us could have believed would happen here. This is not who we are. We mourn for those lost—those taken from their loved ones in the most brutal and hateful of ways. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims with the Muslim community and with all who have been affected by this. We are one. You are us.To the families and friends of the victims I met in Dunedin I echo the words of the Prime Minister. We cannot feel the depth of your grief but our determination to walk alongside you could not be stronger. I want to thank and acknowledge the bravery and professionalism of our first responders. Like every New Zealander I watched on Friday as events unfolded with horror. As the Minister of Health I was in constant contact with those leading and overseeing the trauma response as they worked to ensure that those who clung to life had the greatest chance possible of survival.Late on Friday night the district health board (DHB) leadership asked that I travel north from Dunedin to support those on the front line. Of course I did not hesitate. On Saturday I spent time with a range of health professionals who were involved in the tragic events of the previous day. I spoke with those who received the 111 calls—the first ones from the mosque while the gunshots were still ringing out in the background. I heard from those who coordinated the fleets of ambulances which went backwards and forwards between the mosques and the hospital. I heard from those who triaged patients and from those who provided lifesaving treatment. Can I put on record my thanks to the staff and crew of St John's and also to the medical nursing and allied health workforce of Canterbury DHB who did a truly exceptional job in very difficult circumstances and continue to do an exceptional job. We are all very proud of you.At the ICU in Christchurch Hospital I spoke briefly with the surgeons who were doing their handover. I heard also stories of the bravery of doctors and nurses at Piki Te Ora medical centre just a few doors down from the mosque in Linwood who came to the aid of victims before the ambulance staff could get there to attend. In the many conversations I've had with our community in Dunedin and indeed with medical professionals great emphasis has been placed upon the swift return of the deceased to their loved ones for burials. The post-mortems are now complete. I want to thank the imams. I want to place on record my thanks to the imams and the community leaders who have worked with the bereaved to reassure families that medical police and coronial staff understand the cultural expectation of return within 24 hours of those who need to be buried. And I want to record my thanks to those who in that process have worked constructively to ensure the process was expedited and is being expedited. I'm advised that the majority of the deceased will be returned to families this evening. There is a small number that will take a bit longer due to challenges finalising identification. Liaison teams have been working with the families to determine the process by which each of the deceased will be released back to the families. I hope this will provide some solace to the families. But in truth they will be living with the consequences of this act of hate and terror for the rest of their lives.Already there have been thousands of calls to the 1737 helpline. They've brought on extra staff they've got interpreters available and have worked with the Ministry of Health to provide additional resources in English and Arabic and to provide resources that support mental health. Those resources are available on the ministry's website also and I urge anyone who is in distress to please be in touch with the Need to talk? 1737 helpline. Please get the support that you need. There is no question that the need for mental health and psychosocial support will be ongoing in Canterbury and I thank the other DHBs that have indicated that they stand by ready to assist.In conclusion I want to say that the events of 15 March will for ever be part of our nation's story. But what will define us is how we respond how we pick up the pieces and move forward. As the inquiries are done as the House considers law changes that is as it should be but just as important is how we respond as individuals and as a community. I think we all have been heartened by the outpouring of love and support that we're witnessing across Aotearoa. Long may that continue. If that bad day is to have a legacy let it be one of hope and compassion and tolerance. Let it be one that challenges hate and fear and racism one that values our diversity while emphasising our common interest. Let our response to terror be a stronger kinder New Zealand.