Christchurch terror attack: New Zealanders warned to be vigilant at national memorial

New Zealanders are warned to stay vigilant when they gather for a national memorial to victims of the Christchurch terror attack on Friday.

Fifty people were killed when a gunman opened fire inside the Linwood Ave and Deans Ave mosques two weeks ago.

Friday's memorial will be livestreamed to other centres around the country, including Auckland's Eden Park, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Dunedin.

Some smaller services across the country have been cancelled for security reasons.

Police are still on high alert following the attack, and are warning the public to not be worried if they see armed officers at the memorials.

"Police have been armed throughout the country since the attack in Christchurch. This is a precautionary measure to keep the public and our officers safe.

"For those attending events around the country, we ask you to remain vigilant, please be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.

"If you see something suspicious report it immediately to police or event security staff."

As of Thursday afternoon, police had no information to suggest there were any specific risks to public safety.

Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt said the service would be a chance for the country to reflect on discrimination.

"They should be thinking about how they can call out racism, call out Islamophobia, call out anti-Semitism."

He said casual racism can lead to tragedies like the Christchurch attack, and people need to think more about how to respect other people.

"We have to create a New Zealand which respects human rights regardless of religion, regardless of ethnicity, gender or sexuality and whether or not you're disabled."

The service will start at 10am. 

Newshub.