New Zealand's high commissioner to Australia says the relationship between the two countries remains strong, and has condemned controversial statements made by Fraser Anning after an Australian man was accused of killing 50 people in an attack on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday.
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Dame Annette King rejected Mr Anning's "atrocious" views and was glad the comments had been condemned by the Australian government and the Australian people.
"He does not represent New Zealand's views, nor Australia's views. They are atrocious and we reject them absolutely," she said.
Dame Annette said the fact the man charged with perpetrating the attack was Australian did not harm the relationship between the two countries, because he did not represent Australia or New Zealand.
"He is an individual and that is how we see it. And so, what you should judge our relationship by is what has happened after the event and the relationship is strong.
"We have heard from so many Australians who want to help, who see us as their brothers and sisters."
Dame Annette thanked the Australian people for offers of support and acts of kindness.
"We've heard from Governor-General [Sir Peter] Cosgrove, we've heard from the Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition, so many are friends that we have here in New Zealand.
"I think once again, it demonstrates the closeness of our bonds between our two countries that we are united through history and through culture and values and sentiment. I just want to say to Australian people, thank you very much," she said.
Dame Annette said the attacks had shocked her and commission staff deeply.
"These attacks have affected us deeply, they have affected our migrant community, they have affected Kiwis young and old, no matter where we live. Because we do see it as an assault on our home, on our way of life, on us."
She also thanked the emergency services in New Zealand who responded on Friday and who had coped with "unprecedented works they'd never seen the likes of".
Dame Annette said she had limited knowledge of the co-operation between New Zealand and Australia and would not say whether Brenton Tarrant, who has been charged with murder following the attack, would be tried in New Zealand or Australia.
"I have some knowledge of it but not a lot, so I suggest we direct that back to New Zealand and they'll be able to tell you," she said.
Dame Annette said a vigil would be held at the Peace Bell in Canberra's Nara Peace Park at 6pm on Tuesday and a condolence book for those looking to send a message back home to New Zealand would be opened at the High Commission on Monday.
Canberra Islamic Centre will also hold a prayer meeting and a vigil on Monday at 8pm at Saba al Ahmad Mosque.
