TWO MUSLIM worshippers who at different times charged toward a white supremacist terrorist to try and stop his massacre were each awarded New Zealand’s highest honour for civilian bravery today.

Both men are credited with helping save others in the 2019 attack at two Christchurch mosques, in which 51 people were killed.

One of the men awarded the New Zealand Cross, Dr Naeem Rashid, was killed when he tried to tackle gunman Brenton Tarrant, who was sentenced to life in prison without parole last year.

The other recipient, Abdul Aziz, survived after dodging bullets and chasing the gunman away.

Dr Rashid and his son were at the Al Noor mosque with dozens of others for Friday prayers when Mr Tarrant entered the main prayer room, shooting at everyone he could.

Authorities described how Dr Rashid found himself in a bottleneck of worshippers trying to escape through a small window and door. He reacted when the gunman turned to fire at people on the other side of the room.

“When Dr Rashid was approximately [three feet] from him,” government authorities wrote, “the gunman swung the rifle around and shot Dr Rashid in the shoulder. Dr Rashid collided with the gunman, grabbing him and knocking him to the ground.”

The terrorist managed to get back up and killed Dr Rashid. In the meantime, at least seven more people escaped, authorities said.

Soon after, Mr Tarrant left and drove to the Linwood Mosque, where he continued his attack. At one point, he stopped to run back to his car and get another gun.

Abdul Aziz then yelled at the gunman and ran after him. Mr Tarrant fired at Mr Aziz, but he managed to duck behind parked cars.

He picked up a gun the terrorist had thrown down but found it was empty when he pulled the trigger. He yelled at Mr Tarrant to distract him from killing others.

“The gunman saw Mr Aziz carrying the discarded rifle, dropped his gun and ran to his car,” the authorities wrote.

“Mr Aziz chased after him and, while the gunman was sitting in his car, threw the gunman’s discarded rifle at the back left window of the car, smashing it. The gunman drove off, with Mr Aziz continuing to chase him for a time down Linwood Avenue.”

In an interview with The Associated Press the day after the shooting, Mr Aziz said he didn’t feel fear or much of anything at all when he faced down the gunman while his sons remained inside the mosque.

He felt like he was on autopilot, he said and that Allah did not think it was his time to die.

Other people awarded bravery honours included a worshipper who shielded another man with his body while being shot, the two police officers who rammed the gunman’s car and dragged him out before he could continue his massacre at a third mosque, as well as bystanders who helped the wounded.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said each of the 10 people who were given awards put their lives at risk to save others.

“The courage demonstrated by these New Zealanders was selfless and extraordinary," she said. “They have our deepest respect and gratitude for their actions on that day.”

In a statement, Dr Rashid’s widow Ambreen Naeem said that throughout his life, her husband had always put others before himself.

“Naeem was a brave man, he was kind and loving. He was a true follower of the peaceful faith of Islam,” she said.

“This award is not only for him but for every peace-loving person who stands against hate. For all the victims, not only the victims of the Christchurch terror attack, but all over the world.”

A ceremony to honour the award winners will be held early next year.