Representatives of Wellington's Muslim community have paid a visit to the Australian High Commission to offer their condolences in the wake of the Sydney siege.
Armed police run toward a cafe in the central business district of Sydney Photo: AFP
The seven representatives brought flowers and messages of support and were welcomed by the Consul-General Samantha Callinan.
She thanked them for the gesture.
A spokesperson for the group, Khaled Said said this week had been the toughest in the 20 years he had lived in New Zealand.
"I consider New Zealand home for me, for my family, for my kids. This is where the education and homes and safety and security is so what happened in affects all of us."
Mr Said said the Muslim community wants people to remember the Sydney siege was the work of an individual and had nothing to do with Islam or ordinary Muslims.
Two hostages were killed and the gunman, also died in the [ http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/261860/inquiry-into-sydney-siege-begins 16 hour siege].
A memorial with flowers and other mementoes continues to grow in Martin Place near the cafe. Photo: AAP
