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AAP
AAP
National
Ben McKay

New Zealand marks terror anniversary

New Zealanders are marking the third anniversary of the country's worst mass shooting. (AAP)

New Zealanders are sombrely acknowledging the country's worst mass shooting, three years after Australian terrorist Brenton Tarrant killed 51 worshippers at two Christchurch mosques.

While there is no commemorative service, at the request of victims' families, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will lead tributes in parliament.

Television and radio stations have been invited to break from regular programming at 1:30pm to broadcast the call to prayer.

And in Christchurch, one survivor will return to Al Noor Mosque after a mammoth 360km walk from Dunedin.

Temel Atacocugu decided to follow the terrorist's drive on the day of the massacre, but by foot, reclaiming the journey in the name of peace.

Mr Atacocugu was shot nine times in Al Noor Mosque, surviving - though living with pain after surgeries - and dedicating his life to fostering peace.

On his walk, he has been joined for stretches by other victims and their families, religious leaders, mayors, MPs and locals, encouraging drivers to toot as they pass.

"One day, a 90-year-old woman celebrating her birthday saw me from her window. She sent me a few pieces of her birthday cake so I could regain my energy," he told Turkish news outlet Anadolu Agency.

"It made me very happy. People of New Zealand are very friendly and helpful".

Mr Atacocugu has not had an easy journey, hospitalised by blisters and ailments which meant taking some of his trip by bike.

On Tuesday, he will gather in Christchurch with other survivors and supporters and walk the final two hours to Al Noor and Linwood Islamic Centre together.

Speaking on Monday night, Ms Ardern said the events of 2019 and subsequent Royal Commission showed the need for community cohesion.

"Three years on I think it still feels very raw for many. I have no doubt that will only be greater still for the community," she said.

"But it's not just for us to remember. We have obligations a ministers, as a cabinet, as a government to keep fulfilling the commitments we've made to the community.

"The Royal Commission has given us our blueprint ... we'll continue working alongside the community to try and meet their expectations and try and help them as they honour the loss of their loved ones."

However, some don't believe the government is moving fast enough to make New Zealand safer.

Prior to winning re-election, Ms Ardern promised to introduce hate speech laws that included religion, criminalising abusive or threatening speech that incites violence.

However, the laws are yet to be changed, despite a Royal Commission recommendation and a public consultation that began in June last year.

"We have had meetings galore," Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon said.

"Every day our communities wait and the risk of more events triggered or incited by hate increases."

Ms Ardern defended her government's response to the Royal Commission's 44 recommendations.

"Some actions, such as the establishment of a Ministry for Ethnic Communities and an annual hui on countering violent extremism and counter-terrorism, are up and running," she said.

"Work continues on many others, including the reform of gun licensing."

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