Finding a home for the March 15 National Memorial
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 2nd September 2026
Work has begun to find a home in central Christchurch for the March 15 National Memorial.
The national memorial will honour all 51 shuhada who lost their lives in the attacks on the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on 15 March 2019. Shuhada means martyrs – the name given by families to those killed.
Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage is leading the programme to realise the Memorial, alongside the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Christchurch City Council, and mana whenua.
Mayor Phil Mauger says the Council's role is to help identify potential sites in central Christchurch for the memorial.
“The impact of that afternoon of March 15 was felt worldwide, but it's Christchurch where the hurt is strongest.
“Although our city was the scene of a terrible tragedy, we want it to also be the home to something beautiful that will memorialise all those affected, in a place and a manner that reflects our shared values.
“At this stage, the idea is to find somewhere appropriate in a civic space, easily accessible so that many people can pay their respects,” Mayor Mauger says.
“The memorial will also recognise the many who were injured, those who witnessed the attacks, the emergency responders, and the people across Christchurch, New Zealand and worldwide who provided ongoing support to our Muslim community in the days and years that followed.
“The response in support for the affected families was overwhelming, and is the sort of example of humanity at its best that we want to remember.”
The families of the 51 shuhada, and those badly injured in the attacks have a central voice in the memorial project and will help guide its development.
The next step is for a shortlist of sites to be investigated further.
Find more from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage or email march15[at]mch.govt.nz.