Mass Shootings in my hometown, Christchurch NZ

I think we have more time but the population needs to stabilize and reduce to a sustainable level where there is enough to go around without poisoning the planet.

The 15th of March will now forever be a day etched in our collective memories. On a quiet Friday afternoon a man stormed into a place of peaceful worship and took away the lives of 50 people.

That quiet Friday afternoon has become our darkest of days.

But for the families, it was more than that. It was the day that the simple act of prayer – of practising their Muslim faith and religion – led to the loss of their loved ones lives.

Those loved ones, were brothers, daughters, fathers and children.

They were New Zealanders. They are us.

And because they are us, we, as a nation, we mourn them.

We feel a huge duty of care to them. And we have so much we feel the need to say and to do.

One of the roles I never anticipated having, and hoped never to have, is to voice the grief of a nation.

At this time, it has been second only to securing the care of those affected, and the safety of everyone.

And in this role, I wanted to speak directly to the families. We cannot know your grief, but we can walk with you at every stage. We can. And we will, surround you with aroha, manaakitanga and all that makes us, us. Our hearts are heavy but our spirit is strong.

Saw a Dave Attenborough doco.

They reasoned that the planet could support 15 Billion if we all lived like most sub-continent Indians.

That the planet could support 1.5 Billion if we all lived like Americans.

Saving the planet seems like a noble idea. I think the planet will be somewhat fine. Saving our species looks unlikely.