If rain represents the quality of grace – true in so many cultural and spiritual traditions – then our World Harmony Run arrival ceremony in Auckland was lavishly blessed, with intermittent rain shrinking the usual lunchtime crowds of Aotea Square to a hundred or so spectators standing under perimeter shelters or huddling bravely in our rows of red chairs.

But what a moving occasion. Our runners ran into the Square with the torch to a traditional Maori welcome which included a solo warrior's challenge, a welcoming group haka, songs and a prayer; then a response musical performance by our relay members.

Then on through a throng of schoolchildren to a World Harmony Run stage introduction by Master of Ceremonies and noted New Zealand actor Paul Glover.

Opera singer Geoff Knight entertains with his striking voice.

Then Auckland City's Mayor John Banks speaks eloquently about world harmony and warmly commends the event.

We present him with an acrylic painting by World Harmony Run founder Sri Chinmoy and an accompanying plaque.

The Auckland Boy's Grammar School percussion ensemble then performs.

In an interlude between showers, Parnell District schoolchildren dance for us.

This is followed by Auckland Montessori Primary School singing.

Children from Auckland's newest school, Golden Grove, offer a recitation of harmony poems.

Our World Harmony Run member sings Sri Chinmoy's haunting 'New Zealand' song "...within, without, God-Beauty's Hand".

Then a dramatic and powerful performance of the World Harmony Run theme song, a highlight.

Paul, our Master of Ceremonies, now presents a unique tribute, the World Harmony Run Torch-Bearer Award to two individuals in recognition of their outstanding service and inspiration –Aucklander Cathie Peters and...

singer Geoff Knight.

A representative of the Bahá’í faith blesses the event and shares a reading from a sacred text.

Our welcoming Kapa Haka group now offers a Whakawātea, a powerful and moving farewell performance.

This is followed by a gracious speech from the performers' wonderful leader. The World Harmony Run team would like to offer its sincere gratitude for the heartfelt and generous words shared at this occasion.

Paul, our Master of Ceremonies, invites us to share one minute of silence.

Seven doves are released representing the seven continents of earth – all have been visited by the World Harmony Run torch.

The ceremony over, our relay team runs down Auckland's main and most populous street preceded by a police escort – then out to the Bombay Hills of South Auckland and stage two of our 3,544 km nationwide journey.

All our gratitude to our wonderful host Paul Glover and to the many performers who made the occasion so special.

– Jogyata Dallas

Distance: 58 km

Team Members:
Erika Pongracz, Gabor Horvath (both Hungary), Nigel Webber, Prachar Stegemann (Australia), Niribili File, Esme Howard-Anna, Alesha Thorpe, Gael Ballantyne, Mark Harvey, Dave Wade, Karl Harris, Danny Reuben, Jogyata Dallas, Uddipan Brown, Nick File (New Zealand)

Gallery: See more images!