"Such statements are wrong, period; and it was additionally wrong to bring those politics into the anti-terrorism venue in particular."
Gamal Fouda, the Imam of the Al Noor Mosque targeted in the 2019 Christchurch attacks, said on Facebook the comments stereotyped "New Zealand Muslims of supporting terrorism".
Politicians have also weighed in, including National MP Simon Bridges.
"@JulietMosesNZ shouted at with 'free Palestine' etc when making moderate points on a panel at Govt Hui on countering terrorism and violent extremism," he said on Twitter. "Several protest and leave. While it was only a minority, it's a shame to see at a forum on tolerance."