It was yet another attack that the 600 members of Launceston's Hazara community have seen from afar, and something they never expected to see in New Zealand or Australia.

"In Afghanistan, it's quite normal. We got used to it, every week or every month, that sort of thing happens," Sadeq Paiwandi, the president of the Launceston Hazara community, said.

"But not in this country."

Mr Paiwandi lived in New Zealand for 13 years before moving to Launceston, and he said the Hazara community was in shock at the killing of 49 fellow Muslims as they took part in Friday prayers at mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.

"We are just wondering why this has happened," he said.

"Terrorism is something we ran away from in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We came here, and we've never see it happen in New Zealand until now.

"These people - they have no understanding of Muslims. This act has no humanity."

An Australian man was arrested and charged after appearing to have become radicalised by various online hate groups.

Racism was not something Mr Paiwandi had personally experienced in either Australia or New Zealand, but online comments after the attack - particularly from one Australian senator - had brought further anguish.

Mr Paiwandi said the deaths of innocent lives were painful to see, regardless of their faith.

"Everyone gets sad about that, it doesn't matter if you're Muslim or Christian," he said.

"People go to the mosque, or they go to the church, to have a peaceful time with their God. If somebody came in and shot them - it doesn't matter if it's Muslim or Christian - you feel terrible when you hear about this."

The Hazara community in Launceston has grown to about 90 families, outgrowing almost every local hall for their prayers and events.

Since the attack, they have received messages of support from the wider community.

Hosein Mohseni said it had been a great help in a difficult time.

"I and all of our community appreciate the Launceston community because of the sympathetic messages we have received from them," he said.

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A vigil in honour of the victims of the Christchurch attack will be held at Civic Square in Launceston at 7pm on Sunday evening.