A large number of planned vigils and events around Canterbury and New Zealand are being held over the next few days in commemoration of the massacres on 15 March. The main events in Christchurch are:

• The March for Love (https://www.facebook.com/events/615538675578234/) will be held in North Hagley Park on Saturday 23 March at 10am. All public transport, including the Diamond Harbour ferry, will be free between 7am and 2pm.

• The Remember Those Who Lost Their Lives 15-3-19 (https://www.facebook.com/events/cathedral-square-christchurch/remember-those-who-lost-their-lives-15-3-19/441867649884886/) gathering will be held in North Hagley Park on Sunday 24 March between 5pm and 7pm. All public transport will be free from 2pm for this event.

The Christchurch City Council also advises the following:

• • Environment Canterbury has announced it will provide free public transport for anyone wishing to attend the two community-led gatherings mentioned above, arranged for this weekend. Bus service will run to their usual timetables and we’re advising people to allow extra time for their journey.
  • A condolence book has been set up on the ground floor of the central library, Tūranga, where people can leave messages of support and sympathy. Tūranga is open from 8am until 8pm on weekdays, and from 10am until 5pm at weekends.
  • The Great Hall at the Arts Centre of Christchurch in Worcester Boulevard is open as a place of reflection and gathering. All are welcome.

Prayers to mark last Friday's tragic mosque massacres were said in four languages (Korean, Chinese, Maori and English) at the Connect Day at Harrington Park this afternoon. The short ceremony was part of the annual Connect Day, which brings together the incoming student intake at University and residents from the local community. There was also an opportunity to people attending to write short tributes and messages of support for the Muslim community.

Supling Filipino Language and Culture Playgroup is starting on 5th of March. The playgroup will be open from 10.00-11.30am every Tuesday, at 80 Rattray St, Riccarton. There will be bilingual (Filipino and English) stories, songs, games and activities – all relating to Filipino culture. The playgroup is intended for children 0-5 years old, and enquiries can be made to Jo Atara-McKenzie, 021 115 1657.

See below for information in Tagalog.

A draft landscape plan to refurbish Harrington park has been released by the City Council. It proposes replacing most of the existing play equipment, and some landscaping works. The flying fox will be replaced with one a bit shorter, but part of the existing mound will be kept to provide height for the new flying fox.

Downloads

FINAL Harrington Park proposed play space 18 Feb 2019.pdf

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The City Council is proposing major changes to three intersections on Riccarton Rd. The most extensive will be the intersection of Riccarton, Middleton and Ilam Roads.

Under the proposals, through traffic from Middleton Rd to Ilam Rd will be blocked. It will become a T intersection with only a left-hand turn out of Middleton Rd allowed, and a left turn from Riccarton Rd for vehicles travelling west.

By Georgia O'Connor-Harding, Western News

Clear signage and revamped car parking will be installed to soften the blow for Riccarton businesses facing major roadworks outside their stores this year.