A biggest thank you to our new friend, Vonette Pearce, for hosting the womens team at her beautiful house, cooking for us, helping arrange schools and media and even joining us for most of the day- incredible!!
Our first stop of the day was at Awapuni School.
These children welcomed us with the most impressive voices we have heard yet!
peace...
Congratulations to our two new Peace Ambassadors, Heni Harris and Alissa-Maree Nacion Rincuraya.
A big thank you to School Principal, Tui Halatokoua and all the teachers from Awapuni Primary for a wonderful traditional Maori welcome start to our day and visit!
Time to run!
Our new Peace Ambassadors led the way!
Gratitude!
Our next school was Taonui School and the students were waiting for us!
Our new friend, Vonette, joining in the actions to the World Harmony Run song.
Feeling peace is so nice!
Not Peaceful...
YAY PEACE!!!
gratitude!
Time to pass the torch...
Time to plant our first Peace Tree of the day- this one is a Rimu!
Thank you Taonui School- we loved meeting you all!
Our next school was Lytton Street School...
These students were waiting to run with the torch...
These children read out a beautiful poem together, the words are copied below...
I can make time
I can make time to help with the dishes
I can make time to read my sisters a story
I can make time to hold my brothers hand on the first day of school
I can make time to run to the office for my teachers
I can make time to sit with the new kid at school
I can make time to volunteer in my community
I can make time to help others when they are sick
I can make time to donate a can of food
I can make time to educate others about environmental issues, such as endangered species and climate change
I can make time to fix my mistakes and say sorry
I may only be a child, but If I take the time now…
I can make time for a step towards peace.
And if children can show them where it is, maybe adults will find the time to.
Beautiful art for peace- thank you!!!
The school performing a song for us!
peace is precious
What does peace mean to you?
Congratulations to our new Peace Ambassador recipients Vrinda Patel and Tom Lewis, who were chosen for their exceptional respect for others, teamwork and peaceful, positive relationships with others.
Thank you Lytton School for sharing with us your love for peace. Good luck planting the peace tree!!!
Time to run!
Our next school was North Street School, and these kids were waiting to welcome us!
They had many words for peace!
Congratulations to our newest Peace Ambassadors, Asher Crews and Asher Lowe- two Asher Ambassadors!
A big thank you to all the wonderful teachers of North Street School for all they do to make the world a better place!
Time to plant the Peace Tree!
Planting a Peace Tree...
We look forward to seeing how big the Kowhai Peace Tree will be next time we come!
Our last school of the day was Apiti School...
World Harmony Run!
Not peace...;(
peace!! ;)
Thank you Apiti School!
The whole school ran with us!
All Peace Lovers...
Time to plant the last Peace Tree of the day...a Kowhai was a popular choice today!
These kids will look after this little tree for sure- they plant a lot of trees here!
Each kid planted something native and labelled it.
Finally it was time to run- The mens team took the first leg.
We are so grateful Rathin came from Australia to join our team.
The womens team got the beautiful Manawatu scenic route.
We met some friends along the way...
There were many slips along the road left by the recent Cyclone Gabrielle. It left far worse damage elsewhere, but was a solemn reminder of the fragility of the Earth.
Harita enjoying the scenery.
We met this local farmer along the way.
Hastakamala enjoying running in New Zealand!
A big thank you to Toyota for providing the womens team with this magnificent vehicle for the run!
Preetidutta waves goodbye to the inhabitants of this beautiful part of New Zealand.
Gratitude for a wonderful day!
