Forgiveness and peace were the two recurring themes of a memorial service in Christchurch to remember the 50 victims of this month’s terrorist attack.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten were among the thousands who are attending the ‘We Are One’ memorial service this morning in memory of those killed in the terror attacks at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on March 15.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealanders had found comfort from the simple greeting al-Salam Alaikum, peace be upon you.

“They were simple words,” she said.

“Simple words whispered by the injured from their hospital beds.

“They were words spoken by a community who, in the face of hate and violence, had every right to express anger, but instead, opened their doors for all of us to grieve with them and so we say to those who have lost the most, we may not always have had the words.

“We may have left flowers, performed the haka, sang songs or simply embraced, but even when we had no words, we still heard yours and they have left us humbled and they have left us united.”

Ms Ardern said during the past two weeks the world had heard the stories of those impacted by the terrorist attack.

“Those stories of bravery, there were stories of those who were born here, grew up here, or who had made New Zealand their home, who had sought refuge or sought a better life for themselves or their families,” she said.

“Their stories, they now form part of our collective memories. They will remain with us forever. They are us.”

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, addressed the crowd before he sang Peace Train.

“Our hearts go out to the families of those whose lives were snatched away in that evil carnage while they were worshipping in the mosque two weeks ago,” he said.

“We learn about things through their opposites and it’s through opposites like this the evilness of that act and what drove it, we find its opposite which is the love and kindness and unity which has sprung up right here in New Zealand.

“Our prayers go to those shining souls whose lives were snatched away in that moment of madness.

“May peace be upon them.”

Al Noor Mosque shooting survivor, Farid Ahmed, who was brought on to the stage in a wheelchair, said many people had asked him how he could forgive the man that killed his beloved wife.

“The answer to this is: I can give so many answers … the first point is — I have a faith,” Mr Ahmed said.

“I believe in Allah and Allah says that if we forgive one another, then he loves me, he loves us.”

Mr Ahmed said he did not support the shooter’s actions, but said he had probably gone through some suffering in his life, “some traumatic thing happened to him, and he could not process well his suffering into the constructive way”.

“I can not hate anyone,” Mr Ahmed said, greeted by applause from the thousands that packed North Hagley Park.

President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Dr Moustafa Farouk thanked all New Zealanders for the compassion, openness and support they had shown.

“Together, with our Prime Minister, we have shown the world how to lead with compassion,” he told the memorial service.

“The world continues to watch a land how we, as a nation, have responded.

“As we pass beyond the initial shock and grief, we ask as a nation we hold on to our solidarity and never let it go.

“Today is a moment to reflect on the immense loss we have suffered but it is also symbolic of how we wish to go forward.”

Prior to the service, both Mr Morrison and Mr Shorten visited the mosques to pay their respects and laid a floral tribute to honour the victims.

Mr Morrison said the Christchurch terror attack was the “most shocking and horrific” of events.

“The National Remembrance Service is an opportunity for Australia to stand in unity and solidarity with New Zealand as the global community comes together to honour the victims and their loved ones,” Mr Morrison said.

“On behalf of the Australian Government and the Australian community, our delegation will represent Australia in offering every support we can provide our New Zealand brothers and sisters, and the Muslim community around the world.”

Mr Shorten said Australians continue to offer our “unshakeable support” to New Zealand following the recent right-wing terrorist attack.

“All decent Australians utterly condemn the act of evil violence and cowardice which brought such devastation to the people of Christchurch,” Mr Shorten said.

“This man has brought all Australians great shame. He does not represent Australia.”

Both Australian political leaders will also have their own bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern this afternoon.

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said the memorial was “one of the largest” security operations conducted by New Zealand police.

Attending the service were representatives from 59 countries, including many leaders from Pacific nations.

Attending the service this morning, Christchurch local Deborah Rhodes, 61, said she wore a headscarf as a sign of respect for the Muslim community.

“Everyone has a right to be who they are,” Ms Rhodes said.

“I like what it (the headscarf) represents, it’s beauty from the inside. We don’t have to show it and expose it.”

Ms Rhodes said the past fortnight had been so emotional and “heavy hearted” — she sought help.

“It was too much,” she said.

Paul Morris, 53, wore a T-shirt that said “love to all brothers and sisters” and “you are in my heart and soul”.

Two of his friends were shot in the attack and remain in hospital with a long recovery ahead.

“One of them got shot in the shoulder and the bullet went straight through,” Mr Morris said.

“They’re in and out of consciousness.”