Christchurch mosque attack support
On 15 March 2019, a terrorist attacked 2 mosques in Christchurch, tragically killing 51 people and injuring 40 people. This event significantly impacted the Canterbury Muslim community as well as the many responders and people who assisted the bereaved and injured and their whānau (families).
Support since the 2019 attacks
At the time, mental health and wellbeing support was made available to help the affected people.
With the coronial inquiry starting in 2023, people involved in the attack were asked to revisit the events of the day. They were also given new information they may previously have been unaware of. This may have been distressing.
Therefore, free healthcare provider visits for those affected have been reinstated until 30 June 2026.
A new service that supports Muslim counselling has also been made available through general practices.
Therapy service for Muslims — Mental Health Education and Resource Centreexternal link
Where to find support
General practices
You are encouraged to make your general practice your first point of contact to access services. If you do not have a general practice or are new to Canterbury, find out how to enrol at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.
Eligibility for publicly funded health services — Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Oraexternal link
General practice visits related to the mosque attacks will be fully funded (you will not have to pay) until 30 June 2026. Your general practice team will decide if your visit meets the criteria for the funding so ask when you make your appointment.
Available after-hours services
Pegasus 24-Hour Surgery
401 Madras Street
Christchurch
- phone: 03 365 7777
Open 24 hours every day.
Pegasus 24-Hour Surgeryexternal link
Moorhouse Medical Centre
3 Pilgrim Place
Christchurch
- phone: 03 365 7900
Check the website for its opening hours.
Moorhouse Medical Centreexternal link
Riccarton Clinic
4 Yaldhurst Road
- phone: 03 343 3661
Check the website for its opening hours.
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
ACC provides financial support if someone has been injured or died from an injury. This includes mental health support to those who were physically injured.
ACC is working with the police and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waitaha to ensure claims are fast-tracked.
For more information, see Support available to victims of Christchurch terror attack. This page also has factsheets in English, Arabic, Bahasa Malaysia, Bengali, Farsi Persian, Hindi, Indonesian and Urdu.
Support available to victims of Christchurch terror attack — ACCexternal link
Resources for parents and caregivers
Psychological and mental health support
If you or someone you know needs mental wellbeing support or advice call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor. This service is free and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Specialist mental health services
Phone your healthcare provider first.
For general information and advice on the mental health support services available, see Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waitaha mental health services.
Find a service in Canterbury — Health New Zealand
If you need urgent or crisis mental healthcare, call 0800 920 092 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
Christchurch Resettlement Services
Christchurch Resettlement Services provides individual counselling and support for Muslims affected by the 15 March mosque attacks:
- phone 03 335 0311
- visit their website.
Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahi (provided by Purapura Whetu Trust)
Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahi is a free, culturally appropriate, multilingual support service for Muslims of all ages and their whānau living in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahiexternal link
You can request support for yourself. Or a whānau member, healthcare provider or member of the community can refer you. To contact Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahi:
- phone: 0800 494 388 (0800-4-WHETU) or 03 379 8001
- complete the referral form.
Make a referral (referral form) — Muslim Wellbeing Ōtautahiexternal link
MHERC (Mental Health Education and Resource Centre)
A therapy service for Muslims provides online psychological interventions to individuals impacted by the March 2019 mosque attacks. It aims to take an Islamic perspective on wellbeing.
This service offers up to 6 free online therapy sessions with a registered psychologist (therapist).
Therapy service for Muslims — Mental Health Education and Resource Centreexternal link