Lynley Ward

While Abbas is lucky to be alive, the pain is already a constant reminder of the attack.

We spoke to those who've been deeply affected – some who lost loved ones and others who became accidental heroes.

Former Weekly contributor Ann Gluckman is proud of the legacy her new book leaves for future generations of Auckland's Jewish community.

''She’s growing into someone who knows herself and has security in the people around her,'' Pēpi's proud papa beams.

Losing his young daughter Halayna Wagstaff and her unborn child to violence has ripped Darren's family apart.

Even though her son Harley was surrounded by capable swimmers, Makaila says this wasn't enough to stop her boy disappearing under the water, almost becoming another victim of this year's tragic Christmas holiday drowning toll.

As life hung in the balance, young driver Ellie Barron stepped up.

A year has passed since the blaze rampaged across the Nelson-Tasman region, but its impact is still keenly felt by those whose lives were upended.

For Tony and his tightknit community, years of anguish have followed as they desperately sought to retrieve their loved ones from the mine.

"A few weeks after the exhibition opened, no-one came forward to say they had the work and I began to worry that April may never be found," she says.