A very big thank you to Chen Zheng, owner of Accommodation Te Puna for most generously offering our womens team two nights accommodation. We are so grateful!
Chen Zheng was so unbelievably enthusiastic about the Peace Run that she even made moon cakes for us!
Our first stop of the day was to Mount Hot Pools, where we met with Deputy Mayor of Tauranga, Jen Scoular.
We were delighted to experience Jens enthusiastic spirit and big heart of happiness and service to the local community, and she enthusiastically supported and identified with the message of the Peace Run.
Today we had the unique opportunity to dedicate Mount Hot Pools as a Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossom. The Hot Pools now join many unique locations around the world that serve as a reminder to the cause of peace.
A big thank you to Hot Pools manager, Letitia Shehan, pictured far right, for making this event possible.
Here is the placement of the plaque, right at the entrance of the hot pools!
Some of us took the torch to top of Mount Maunganui's iconic Mount Mauoa.
As the fog lifted, the views were spectacular!
Next it was time to run! The route was along the exquisite coast line.
We met many enthusiastic peace lovers along the way!
Our local Coordinator, Hridayinee, managed to arrange for us to meet with the family she nannies for, who happened to be vacationing in the area!
Here is Hridayanee with parents, Kimberley and Steve, and their adorable children Max and Georgia.
Max holds the torch!
Our next visit was to Te Puke Primary School, where many of the children had beautiful artwork to share with us!
Run run run run run run, World Harmony Run!
We are the oneness and fulness of tomorrows sun!
The children performed a beautiful waiata for us.
Next was a stirring haka. We were deeply moved by the energy and passion that went into this offering!
Feeling peace in our hearts.
Time to run- and these kids could run!
Everyone wanted to hold the torch!
So much beautiful artwork!
We offered our gratitude to the children of Te Puke by offering them a Certificate of Appreciation and an artwork by Peace Run Founder Sri Chinmoy entitles "Peace feeds the Children"
Pransukh makes a new friend!
Benjamin also!
Thank you Te Puke Primary- we loved meeting you all!
Our second school of the day was Apanui School in Whakatane.
These kids were so sweet!
Is this peace??
Several of the children wrote poems and acronyms for peace which they kindly shared with us!
Some also created beautiful artwork. We really loved spending time with these kind and friendly children!
A big thank you to all of Apanui School, and especially Principal Ruth McIntosh pictured on the left, who not only arranged our visit, but also most generously accommodated our mens team at her house!
Our final event today was a meeting at the Whakatane District Council with Mayor Victor Luca.
We were treated to cookies and juice as we presented the Peace Run to Mayor Luca and enjoyed getting to know him and finding out more about the local area.
Thank you Mayor Luca for taking the time to welcome The Peace Run team to Whakatane!
A big thank you to the staff from Kopeo Indian Restaurant for giving us a discounted price on a simply delicious meal- we highly recommend this establishment! What a perfect end to a wonderful day of immersion in natures beauty and meeting countless peace lovers!
In the oneness-heart There is abiding peace. With our oneness-heart We are all trying to create A peaceful world-family. -Sri Chinmoy
