Today was a big day for the World Harmony Run team in Rotorua and Taupo. After getting up early to watch the sunrise over Lake Rotorua, we filled up on a delicious breakfast made by our travelling chef, and headed out for two schools.

Runners from the Primary school carried the torch across the field to the Intermediate school, passing it from person to person all the way to the school hall and up onto the stage. A small team of these runners stayed up on stage with us, introduced themselves and told us what country they were from.

After the ceremony, the runners from that school led the way a distance down the road at which point they farewelled us. The kids were disappointed that they had to go back to school. They wanted to run all of the way to Wellington with us!

The journey to Taupo was very pleasant. Today was not as hot as yesterday which made it a lot easier to run. A nice breeze cooled us down, which helped us a lot. Finally after doing the mileage to Taupo, we made it just in time to greet our first school.

The school signaled their intention to greet us with a traditional Maori powhiri. We were really happy to have Uddipan with us! Some of us needed a quick briefing on protocol which he swiftly provided. Nelson recieved the challenge. Uddipan then spoke for about 15 minutes in Maori, after which we sang our song, followed by a reply from a teacher and a special song from the kids. They then greeted us with open arms and said that they knew we were there to offer peace.

Uddipan went on to speak in English about world harmony, after which the kids lined the perimeter of the field and passed the torch from one to another.

The next school in Taupo was a fair distance away, yet no sooner than we had run one block, we met kids there waiting for us to run to their school. It was a long run - at least 2km!

When we arrived the kids were waiting for us outside and were singing the World Harmony Run song which inspired and energised us all as we ran into the school. The kids called out different meanings of harmony such as “love”, “peace”, “happiness”, and “friendship”. They had been talking about harmony before our arrival, and had written some nice poems. (more)

The Tauhara Centre in Taupo allowed us all to enjoy a nice peaceful rest in a natural setting with birds up earlier than us!

Nipura, the team chef, was more than thankful for the extra large kitchen which allowed her to cook away for hours, making us all happy at lunch time!