The bodies of people killed in Friday's terror attacks in Christchurch have all been removed from the two mosques.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says victims' bodies were being returned to families starting yesterday evening, a process that would be completed by Wednesday.

The attacks on Friday left 50 people dead and another 50 wounded.

• Scroll down for live updates in the wake of the attack

Families want the bodies to be returned so they can be buried as quickly as possible in accordance with Muslim tradition.

Many public vigils have been held across New Zealand over the weekend, while concerts and sports games in Christchurch and other cities have been cancelled.

Dozens more police are being deployed to Christchurch and there is a heightened police presence around the country, including at mosques and community events.

Brenton Tarrant, 28, has appeared in court charged with murder, police said further charges would be laid.

Jacinda says there would be changes to New Zealand gun laws in the wake of the massacre, and it would be discussed in today's Cabinet meeting.

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