Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says her visit to Dunedin today was in the planning ever since it became known the man accused of the Christchurch terror attack had been living in the city.
"The message I had received from our local MPs here was the the local Muslim community were acutely aware of that,'' Ms Ardern said today.
"I wanted to come and visit with them, to hear about their concerns, and to listen really.''
Ms Ardern was speaking just after a visit to Dunedin's Al Huda Mosque, which was the initial intended target of the terrorist attack.
"They, as with many other members of the Muslim community throughout New Zealand, raised the topic of the love and support they have received from those around them.
"I find that such an astounding message in the wake of what the community has experienced.''
Ms Ardern said she had wanted to come to Dunedin sooner, but scheduling a trip had been difficult in the circumstances.
Other concerns raised at the mosque meeting including personal safety - particularly for women - and how long added police security would be maintained.
Ms Ardern was earlier welcomed by the children at Au-Nur Child Education and Care Centre in South Dunedin where she read the Very Hungry Caterpillar.
