1 September 2015

Commonwealth Walkway plaque unveiling

The president of the Commonwealth Games Federation will unveil a bronze plaque in Auckland today to mark the beginning of a walk linking significant sites of heritage and culture in the city centre. The Commonwealth Walkway plaque will be unveiled at a ceremony by Prince Imran of Malaysia outside the Old Government House at the University of Auckland at 5pm.

The Commonwealth Walkway in Auckland will be part of network of walkways in 100 cities across all 71 Commonwealth nations and territories. The objective is to connect people, improve health, celebrate the richness and diversity of the Commonwealth, and to commemorate the Queen as Head of the Commonwealth for more than 63 years.

The president of the Games Federation, Prince Imran of Malaysia is in Auckland for the Commonwealth Games Annual Assembly.

Aucklanders will be asked for their thoughts on the walkway’s route which will link local sites of historical and natural significance. The opening of the first phase of the walkway is planned to coincide with Prince Charles’s visit in November.

The Outdoor Trust, a charity committed to getting people more active outdoors, is organising the walkways around the world with local input.

Hugo Vickers, Chairman of the Outdoor Trust says: ‘We are delighted that we are able to start the Walkway in Auckland, which has so much interesting culture and history, while the city is hosting The Commonwealth Games Annual Assembly. Old Government House is of particular significance as it is the former residence of the Governor of New Zealand and where Queen Elizabeth II gave her Christmas speech from in 1953”.

“The walkway will provide a practical way for Auckland’s heritage and the Commonwealth values to be lived and shared by both residents and visitors.”

Kathryn King, Auckland Transport’s Walking and Cycling Manager says: “It is a great way to promote the fantastic walking routes that we already have around the city. There are some great places to walk in and around the city including the Domain, the waterfront and inner city parks. We would like Aucklanders to help design this route that celebrates our position in the Commonwealth”

Louise Martin, Hon Secretary Commonwealth Games Federation says: “I am delighted that The Commonwealth Games Federation is able to be part of the Commonwealth Walkway in Auckland. Most of the Commonwealth nations and territories are being represented at the Annual Assembly and will get the opportunity to see the plaque. This illustrates very well how the Commonwealth Games Federation is working in partnership to ensure an energised, engaged and active Commonwealth”.

The plaque will be unveiled by HRH Prince Imran from Malaysia, the president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, joined by representatives from the Commonwealth Games Associations and the Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors Network in New Zealand.

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