Auckland vigil for Nepal flood victims as five New Zealanders remain missing

Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell attended the vigil, which he described as an honour.

Members of the community gathered in Auckland today to light candles in solidarity with the missing and dead in Nepal. Photo / Annaleise Shortland

He urged families still waiting for news of their loved ones to have faith in the possibility of “miracles”.

“Just keep the candles burning, don’t give up on hope.”

In his capacity as Emergency Management and Recovery Minister, Mitchell said New Zealand was on standby to assist with the recovery effort.

National MPs Mark Mitchell (left) and Melissa Lee (second left) attended today’s vigil. Photo / Annaleise Shortland

“We’re standing with you shoulder to shoulder,” he said.

“We know the hurt, we know what you’re going through, and we’re going to try and share that with you and take some of that burden off you as much as we can.”

National MP Melissa Lee became emotional as she addressed the crowd.

“To all my Nepali friends, I just want to say how awful it was to watch the footage, and I can only imagine how difficult it was for you to watch the footage.”

Dinesh Khadka, the former Honorary Consul for Nepal to Auckland, called for support for those affected, urging people who were able to donate to contribute to relief efforts.

The crowd shared a moment of silence at Aotea Square this afternoon. Photo / Annaleise Shortland

The event ended with several people sharing words before the group listened to a Nepalese song.