27 September 2006
Christchurch to welcome World Peace Bell – all invited
Next Tuesday 3 October, The Christchurch Botanic Gardens will officially welcome a World Peace Bell, donated to New
Zealand by The World Peace Bell Association.
The bell, a replica of the original World Peace Bell at the United Nations in New York, was gifted to Christchurch last
year. It will be the 21st World Peace Bell. They are in 19 countries; the closest in Australia.
Last August a deputation from the World Peace Bell Association in Tokyo visited Christchurch and its members were
pleased with plans for its Botanic Gardens site.
Site work began on the concrete and steel housing for the 385kg bell in July.
It will stand on a raised area that will be prominent when entering the gardens from the Hagley Park daffodil woodlands
near the band rotunda. It will form the centrepiece of an Asian-style garden and become a starting point for a Peace
Walk through the city.
The City Council and the New Zealand chapter of the World Peace Bell Association have been working on this project for
about two years.
The local World Peace Bell chapter is being supported by several funding organisations, Linwood/Woolston Rotary and
businesses. It has a growing membership of individuals, local bodies, and small business interests throughout New
Zealand.
From 6.30pm there will be a short public ceremony to gift the bell to Christchurch, which will be attended by
representatives of the World Peace Bell Association from both Japan and Australia. Afterwards all those attending will
be invited to light a candle for peace and place it in the Avon River. All are very welcome.
ENDS