Proud Muslim: New Zealand top female officer gives emotional speech after mosque attacks

The country's highest ranking Muslim police officer gave an emotional speech as she spoke at a vigil for the victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Superintendent Naila Hassan told thousands of people at the vigil in the city of Auckland on Saturday that the country's security forces stood with the Muslim community, local media reported.

"I am a proud Muslim and I am a leader in the New Zealand Police and I am horrified at the events in Christchurch," an emotional Hassan said.

"We want to reassure everyone we are doing everything we can to ensure the victims of this devastating attack are treated with the utmost respect,"

"I want our Muslim community in particular to know, and the people of Christchurch to know, that we stand with you and we all share in your grief and in your pain," she added.

A right-wing extremist attacked worshippers during Friday prayers at two mosques killing 50 and wounding 36.