Auckland Community Joins Talks and Walks for Peace

Auckland, New Zealand – About forty people came together at the Parnell Peace Embassy to mark the UN International Day of Peace on September 20, 2025. The event, organized by UPF-New Zealand, brought together religious leaders, faith groups, and ambassadors for peace for an afternoon of unity and reflection on the theme “United for Peace – Celebrating Our Shared Harmony.”

The program commenced with MC Mr. Amon Watanabe welcoming the guests, after which youth volunteers performed for the attendees. This was followed by a collective prayer for peace and reconciliation.

Two respected Hindu leaders addressed the group: Mr. Aresh Maharaj, former president of the Shri Sanatan Dharm Purohit Brahman Maha Sabha of New Zealand, and Pundit Direndra Nath of Arya Samaj Pratinidhi Sabha of New Zealand. Both speakers upheld UPF’s mission and highlighted the value of faith in promoting peace. Mr. Geoffrey Fyers, secretary general of UPF-New Zealand, then explained UPF co-founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s vision for the United Nations to include religious leaders who can help overcome barriers to peace worldwide.     

Following the talks, everyone joined in a Peace Walk to the nearby Auckland War Memorial Museum and park.    

By Geoffrey Fyers, Secretary General, UPF-New Zealand September 20, 2025