Christchurch terror attacks: $1.7m paid in victim support

6:02 pm on 10 April 2019

Victim Support has distributed almost $1.7 million in financial support to victims of the mosque shootings in Christchurch.

People gather outside Al Noor Mosque

Al Noor Mosque. Photo: RNZ/ Dan Cook

The organisation says that includes $1.4m raised on the Givealittle page set up for the victims of the shooting, and $250,000 from Ministry of Justice grants.

Its aim was to provide emotional, practical and financial support to victims, chief executive Kevin Tso said.

"So, in addition to fundraising and providing financial support, we have more than 100 support workers providing a range of assistance to victims, as they are referred to Victim Support."

Altogether 800 people affected by the terror attack had received support in some form.

Victims received financial support immediately after the shootings, with a $15,000 lump sum payment for each deceased family member, and a $5000 payment for those who were hospitalised.

Emergency grants were also given to cover funerals, travel and accommodation, counselling, and other expenses.

"Nothing we do can ever make up for the losses and injuries victims have suffered, but we are extremely grateful for the public's support to make their situation even that little bit easier" Mr Tso said.

Support was available for those bereaved, injured, or who had witnessed the events.

Mr Tso said the next step was to work with victims and the community to make sure the remainder of the funds were put to good use.

"$10 million is a lot of money, but if we look at the impact of the tragedy and the number of people affected, it's clear that it can only provide a fraction of what has been taken from the community."

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs