Prime Minister John Key and Labour leader David Cunliffe are expected to be among those attending today's public memorial service dedicated to the victims and survivors of last Monday's Work and Income shootings.
Hundreds of Ashburton townsfolk are expected to turn out for the community civic service at 12.15pm in the Mid Canterbury town's Baring Square East.
The 45-minute service, organised by the local district council and the Ministers' Association, is open to anyone who wishes to pay their respects and remember the lives of slain Work and Income workers Peg Noble and Leigh Cleveland.
Ashburton District Council is closing its offices for an hour to allow staff to attend the service.
Mayor Angus McKay said some shopkeepers had indicated that they would also shut down for it.
"It's important for the people of Ashburton to remember the event, to remember all those affected - from victims, staff, and other service agencies involved - and to move on and work towards Ashburton becoming the safe place it has always been," Mr McKay said.
The Ministers' Association will speak on behalf of the families. Work and Income will be represented by chief executive Brendan Boyle and the community by Mr McKay.
Ms Cleveland, 55, was laid to rest in Alexandra on Saturday, while Ms Noble was farewelled in at the Ashburton Event Centre on Monday.
Lindy Curtis, 43, who was critically injured in the shooting, has been recovering in hospital.
Russell John Tully, 48, has been charged with two counts of murder and one of attempted murder and has been remanded in custody to appear in the High Court at Christchurch on September 23.
Ashburton Benevolent Trust has set up a fund for the victims, with support from the council.
Contributions can be made online or at any Westpac Bank branch - account name: The Ashburton Victims Fund. Account No: 03-0835-0342252-00.
By Kurt Bayer of APNZ
