Jeremy Westenra graciously accomodated some runners at his home in Taupo - we were delighted by his company.
Andrew Jones holding the torch. He just came back from a run along the lake when we arrived at Jeremy's house. Andrew and wife, Claire, spent four months in Taupo and are back in their native England.
Thanks to Taupo Peace Run Co-ordinator Lorraine for also accomodating some runners, and for her sumptious dinner. Pictured with her is Preetidutta of Auckland and also Lorraine's dog, Billy!
The City of Taupo has several statues including this "Dreamer of Peace" statue of Sri Chinmoy. The Peace Run team pays its regards to the founder of this extraordinary programme: the Oneness-Home Peace Run.
Children from Mountview School meet us and embrace the torch...
Children from Mountview School prepared peace-themed artwork.
This tree is going to be planted as a "Peace Tree".
Peace is pushing ? The children can decide.
This lovely Rimu was inaugurated as a Peace Tree in the Waipihihi Botanical Gardens a few years ago. Former Mayor Joan Williamson attended that time and recounted how she first spotted the Peace Runners running through Taupo back in 1993. Her admiration for the Peace Run enabled Taupo to join the 100 or so cities around the globe that are dedicated as Sri Chinmoy Peace Cities.
Runners from Taupo Primary School take the torch to their peers.
Our last school of the day is Taupo Primary. This delightful group of children waited patiently on a windy corner, before galloping a kilometre to the waiting assembly.
Hastakamala Diaz came from Australia to share her love of peace with Kiwi kids.
Where is peace...there !
Finding peace inside can take a bit of well worth effort.
Students composed an extraordinary, beautiful mural of artwork for the Peace Run visit.
A fitting conclusion to the Taupo Peace Run was a meeting with Mayor David Trewavas (holding torch), who we are honoured to have as a friend too. Next to him is his friend Shawn Vennell of Quality Print - also part of the Peace Run family and we thank him for some quality printing. Shawn also plants thousands of native trees for "Greening Taupo".
They both spoke powerfully and eloquently about how communities in Taupo and New Zealand are working together in unprecented ways since the floods have affected so many.
This charming Canadian family asked when the Peace Run is going through Canada.
This group of gentlemen from China also happened by and took to the message of the Peace Run showing that it transcends language and culture. In fact they had no idea we would be there but spontaneously made friends, even challenging us to a friendly sprint across the lawns!
Mayor David and Shawn in a light-hearted moment. Thank-you for making us feel ever-so welcome once again!
