Last week, a mosque was attacked and too many people were killed while they were in prayer. Too many men, women, children died once again: one would be too many but in this case so far fifty people died in the shooting attacks at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch. It’s enough that the Prime Minister is leading the country in a direction to harness the killing power of guns by banning weapons like those used in the mosque attacks in Christchurch.

Mikey Napier shared this on Facebook on March 17: Because the international media is not really showing this to the world. I would like to share as a proud kiwi standing by our Muslim brothers & sisters what I am seeing on my newsfeed & from my country’s media after this tragedy.. I ask that we all share these images and show the world how this horrible event has only brought all of nz out as a nation and stand together in our Muslim communities time of need and made us stronger and more loving. EVERYONE that considers NZ home no matter what religion, race, faith, colour, they may proudly be is considered and loved as a Kiwi in our culture, and that is how our people and values will forever remain.

As I’ve listened to the news this week, I’ve also reflected on the stories of New Zealand that I know, and most of them reflect the beauty of the country, the haka of the Maori tribe, and of course, the wonderful wine, particularly the Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. I’ve never visited NZ but I’d love to and I’ve even considered moving there, more so now than ever as the world watches how they are responding.

One story I heard on the radio talked about how important it is to focus not on those who did the killing (and in this case who is now in custody) so as not to glorify the shooter, provide the desired infamy, and spread the shooter’s message. Also don’t focus on the body count. “He is a terrorist. He is a criminal. He is an extremist. But he will, when I speak, be nameless,” says New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern

Instead, speak the names and tell the stories of those who died and are impacted.
Tell the stories of the good being done in the country.

And that takes me to the story of Erica Crawford of New Zealand’s Loveblock Wines, because Erica is doing a wonderful job making wine that takes care of the planet and people Continue reading →