On March 15, our country suffered a tragic terrorist attack. It was like a bad dream. You never think that this could happen in New Zealand. How could this happen to us? I was worried that it would be the end of the safe and peaceful New Zealand that the immigration officer told me about. Then I saw the leadership of our Prime Minister and the massive support of New Zealanders. The mosques were not just a garden with flowers and loving messages, but the whole country came out and wrapped themselves around us, figuratively and literally. I couldn't control my emotions. That terrorist did not just want to attack the mosque and take away a few lives; he wanted to turn us against each other, but things did not go the way that he wanted. Thanks to our Prime Minister's leadership and the 5 million Kiwis who reacted with aroha and embraced the Muslim community, our bonds grew together. To me, it's reinforced my identity and the love that I have for New Zealand. I will use my platform in Parliament to support and rebuild our community, champion the voice of refugee-background New Zealanders, and to stamp out racism in Aotearoa.