Christchurch terror attack: Former Prime Minister Helen Clark calls for regulation of social media, guns

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark is calling for change after a deadly terror attack in Christchurch.

Forty-nine people were killed and 42 injured in two separate attacks at the Deans Ave and Linwood Ave mosques in Christchurch on Friday.

As of Saturday morning, two are critically injured. One of the critical is four years old. Three people have been taken into custody and one of them charged with murder.

Clark told Magic Talk she was shocked to hear about the shootings.

"One goes into the news sites and thinks, 'How could this happen? We're a peaceful country - this is not what we think ourselves to be.'

"I'm deeply shocked - my heart goes out to all of New Zealand, to Christchurch , to the Islamic community."

She questioned how the shooter could have livestreamed the incident, and asked why social media companies had not picked up on it.

"How is it with all these algorithms that these smart people in social media headquarters had that they can't jump on this immediately?

"How can a video be broadcast live for 17 minutes?"

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey tweeted his condolences for those affected by the shooting.

"Love to the families and friends of the victims of this act of terrorism in Christchurch New Zealand. This is sickening and affects all of us."

Clark told Magic Talk there needs to be stronger regulation across social media, as well as change to New Zealand's gun control laws.

"Remember John Howard's very strong response as Prime Minister when a tragedy like this happened in Australia? Tougher gun law, we need gun law at least as tough as Australia.

"I say, Parliament don't hold back. Out of this crisis must come something better for the safety of Kiwis."

Newshub Nation will be starting at the earlier time of 8am on Saturday to cover the latest events. You can watch it online here or on Three.

If you would like to donate to the official Victim Support fund, go here. Victim Support's number is 0800 842846.

Newshub.