"Yes, this is an event that has affected New Zealand deeply but it was our Muslim New Zealanders who were targeted in this act of hatred.
"Rightly so, that will be reflected in our remembrance service, '' Ms Ardern told reporters in Christchurch yesterday.
Ms Ardern said that in her brief speech today, she would try to capture the impact the attack had on the nation, "and where we go from here, not just as a nation but as a global community''.
"I include in that the challenge of ridding the world of violent extremism in all its forms and the language of hate and racism.''
Ms Ardern said a "significant delegation'' from Australia would attend the service today, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Governor-general Sir Peter Cosgrove and Opposition leader Bill Shorten.
Ms Ardern will be holding talks with both Mr Morrison and Mr Shorten after the service but she declined to say yesterday what they might discuss.
Ms Ardern said Pacific leaders would also be at today's service, including the President of Fiji, Jioji Konrote; the Samoan Head of State, Va'aletoa Sualauvi II; the President of French Polynesia, Adouard Fritch; Cook Islands Prime Minister Heny Puna; and Ulu of Tokelau Afega Gaualofa.
She said 59 countries were sending representatives to the service, as were the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation and the UNHCR.
The Government announced yesterday the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, would visit Christchurch in late April. It was not known whether he would bring his wife, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, or the couple's three children.
Ms Ardern also said the details of a royal commission of inquiry into events leading up to the attack, announced earlier this week, were being finalised. That included the terms of reference and who would lead it.
The Government has also announced sweeping changes to gun control following the terror attack.
They include a ban on all military style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles, and related parts used to convert them into MSSAs. A buyback scheme is being developed.
Ms Ardern said yesterday the Government intended introducing the legislation in Parliament next week. The Government will consider other measures in coming weeks.
As well as Ms Ardern, one of the survivors of the attacks will play a central role in today's service.
Farid Ahmed, whose wife, Husna Ahmed, was killed in Al Noor mosque, will speak at the Hagley Park service.
Husna had rescued children in the mosque from the gunman but was killed when she returned to find her husband, who was in a wheelchair.
Also scheduled to speak are Muslim leaders Shaggaf Khan and Mustafa Farouk, Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
British singer Yusuf Islam, also known as Cat Stevens, will perform, as will New Zealand musicians Marlon Williams, Hollie Smith, Teeks and Maisey Rika.
The names of each of the 50 victims of the terrorist attack will be read by members of the Muslim community.
The service will be jointly led by the Government, the City of Christchurch, Ngai Tahu and the Muslim community.
• The live broadcast of the Christchurch remembrance service will start at 10am.
