British singer Cat Stevens, who converted to Islam in the 1970s and is known as Yusuf Islam, also went centre stage. Ms Ardern, who wore a Maori cloak, said New Zealanders had “a responsibility to be the place that we wish to be”. She said: “A place that is diverse, that is welcoming, that is kind and compassionate.
“Those values represent the very best of us. Racism exists but it is not welcome here.”
She added: “We each hold the power – in our words, in our actions, in our daily acts of kindness – let that be the legacy of the 15th of March.”
Survivor Farid Ahmed, who lost his wife Husna, called for peace and said he had forgiven the gunman.
He said: “I don’t want a heart that is boiling like a volcano.
“I want a heart that will be full of love and care, and will have mercy.”
All victims’ names were read out during the service, entitled Ko Tatou, Tatou – We Are One.
Islam, who sang his song Peace Train, said: “It’s only when good people stay sitting that evil rises we’ve seen the opposite in this country.”