Team A

Jock Atkins Waterfall, enroute to Wellington

We began our morning with the Mayor of Kapiti, Jenny Rowan, who was sincerely happy to see us and wished us well on our journey.

After completing the final run-in to Wellington, our entire team was greeted on the steps of Parliament...

... by a group of Members of Parliament and world harmony supporters. They spoke of their aspirations for world peace and showed heartfelt support for our cause.

MP Peter Dunne, a recipient of the Lifting Up The World With A Oneness-Heart Award from Sri Chinmoy, spoke of the increasing importance of world peace.

Labour MP Marion Hobbs added the necessity of spreading the message to younger generations...

... and Dr Russell Norman – Co-Leader of the Greens Party – said that harmony is not only important for us human beings, but also for the preservation of the environment.

Dame Laurie Salas, an old friend and supporter of World Harmony Run founder, Sri Chinmoy;

Ashraf Choudary and Charles Chauvel also offered words of encouragement.

Carlos, a Mexican singer-guitarist entertained the crowd during the reception.

Our team presented each of the speakers with a piece of artwork and a book of poetry by World Harmony Run founder, Sri Chinmoy.

Coordinator for The Peace Foundation Alyn Ware – also a good friend who had spent time with Sri Chinmoy in New York, New Zealand and Mongolia – brought along his inflated "Earth Ball."

He and Peace Foundation organiser Mayra Gomez proceeded to play some games with children of a visiting school and members of our World Harmony Run team.

After the ceremony, we headed down to the Interislander Ferry.

Once on board, we were lucky enough to visit the Bridge.

Later during the crossing, considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, the Captain announced over the intercom that he and the crew of the Interislander wished the members of the World Harmony Run team the best of luck on our journey around the South Island.

We reached the South Island safe and sound, and would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to all the people who supported us on the North Island leg, as we farewell the team members we left behind in Wellington.

– Rupashri Brown

Team Members:
Muslim Badami (India), Erika Pongracz, Gabor Horvath (both Hungary), Nigel Webber, Prachar Stegemann (both Australia), Rupashri Brown, Kallola Brown, Nipura Brown, Lauren Armstrong, Ujjwala Mettrick, Alan Myers-Daly, Niribili File, Sophie Anderson, Brenda Marshall, Uddipan Brown, Budhsamudra Knox, Danny Reuben, John Marshall (all New Zealand)

Gallery: See more images!