September 21 2007

Waitakere – A City For Peace

Waitakere today (United Nations International Day of Peace) officially celebrated becoming a City for Peace.

About 100 people involved in peace work in the city attended a launch function at the council chambers hosted by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

“By becoming a City for Peace Waitakere has built on its eco and safe city agendas and joins the increasing number of Peace Cities around the world,” says Mayor Harvey.

“Too many New Zealand cities are becoming more dangerous and unsafe and here in Waitakere we are prepared to do something about it. As a council we are acting as the ‘glue’ for a peaceful future for your younger generation.”

As part of the event, Mayor Harvey unveiled Waitakere’s Declaration of Peace to hang in the council chambers and encouraged Waitakere residents to be active in promoting a culture of peace.

He also asked those attending to observe a moment’s silence for murdered woman An An Liu.

Guests were able to view the international exhibition Building a Culture of Peace: For the Children of the World produced by Soka Gakkai International (SGI) in conjunction with the office of the United Nations under secretary general Anwarul Chowhury.

Jimi Wallace, general director of SGI-NZ introduced the exhibition which together with the UN Culture of Peace initiative promotes a comprehensive and inclusive framework that fosters thinking, commitment and action for peace. (NOTE: The exhibition will be on display at the YMCA Massey and Massey Library until October 22).

United Nations Association of New Zealand national president Anthony Vallyon also spoke, congratulating Waitakere on its City for Peace initiative.

At the end of the event 30 white doves were released.

“Some people might say our City for Peace declaration is merely words but they are definitely not hollow ones,” said Mayor Harvey who is also the new president of the Peace Foundation.

“All successful causes start with a vision and an invitation to other people to share it. The action plan we are also ‘unveiling’ today details what peace initiatives are already underway in Waitakere and builds on those. This is about hope for the future and we can wear this with enormous pride.”

Many of those attending today’s event contributed a small offering which to them or their organisation symbolised peace which will be displayed at the council.

When Waitakere decided to become a City for Peace earlier this year Mayor Harvey wrote to Auckland’s other three cities asking them to consider a similar declaration. Auckland is making its declaration on Sunday (September 23).

ENDS

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