After over 150 meetings and many discussions, the Listening Project has now concluded. I have gathered a great deal feedback from a wide range of the affected community and support organisations. It would be fair to say that there are a wide range of views but overall there is a consistent pattern of expressed needs and wishes, even amongst differently affected groups. The desires of the donors, those who have given these gifted funds, is also aligned with the community and support agencies, in wanting to support those most affected and acknowledging the terrible losses that have been experienced.

My recommendations are ready to be considered by the trustees of the Christchurch Foundation and once their decision has been made, I will be able to communicate that to the individual groups. It is hoped that the Victim’s Fund can be distributed in December as planned.

It is clear that the victims will continue to need support, particularly the more vulnerable amongst them. As part of the overall funding recommendations, I will also be drawing attention to the support I feel is still needed and the importance of providing appropriate assistance to victims over the next 12-24 months.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to talk directly to the victims and the wider community over the last few months. Many issues have been raised and I have done my best to feed those back to the appropriate agencies. This has not been an easy process and there are still many challenges now and in the future for the community. I am hopeful that this community conversation has been useful and that it will help in shaping the support and response approach over the next few years.

Kia kaha, as-salamu alaykum.

Raf Manji