Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says his thoughts are with the families of victims of the Sydney mall stabbing.
Five women and one man were stabbed to death on Saturday inside the busy Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre. Twelve people remain in hospital with injuries.
Speaking after he touched down in Cairns on Sunday, Luxon told media he sent Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a message of support last night.
"We are here in Australia now and Australia is family," he said.
"Our thoughts are really very much with the families that are waking up this morning who have lost loved ones and are dealing with an immense sense of heartbreak, loss, absolute despair, grief - and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time."
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters called the attacks "shocking and appalling".
"Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, the loved ones of those killed and injured, and the Australian people," he tweeted.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Chris Hipkins tweeted last night "my thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy unfolding in Bondi".
"I know a lot of Kiwis live in that area. Sending aroha from this side of the Tasman."
New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was not aware of any Kiwis being involved.
