A moment’s silence was held for Enere Mclaren-Taana, 16, and a waiata and prayer offered at the start of the Dunedin City Council meeting yesterday.
Presenting the meeting's opening prayer, Tongan Methodist Church representative Sailosi Pole asked for God's peace to be on the family.
"Help us, Lord, to find peace in the midst of chaos and tranquillity in the face of adversity."
Mr Pole said it was a struggle to find answers to difficult questions and he called for empathy and for conflicts to be resolved with grace.
Enere died from a stab wound on Thursday last week.
A 13-year-old boy has been charged with murder.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said the stabbing happened in a highly public place and ripples had spread widely.
"This is a grave tragedy for our community," he said.
Mr Radich said it was a time of great sadness and the council was working hard with the Otago Regional Council and police to improve safety at the Great King St hub.
He characterised this as both structural and social.
"It is the least we can do in memory of Enere," he said.
Cr Marie Laufiso led a waiata, calling on people to stand together.
