Auckland Peace Advocates Gather on International Day of Peace
Auckland, New Zealand – Peace advocates gathered in Auckland on September 19, 2026, to commemorate the UN International Day of Peace through prayers, presentations and a peace march. The afternoon began at the Parnell Peace Embassy with registration, fellowship and a Family Peace display.
To open the program, Mr. Geoffrey Fyers, secretary general of UPF-New Zealand, welcomed participants and introduced the purpose of the gathering. Ms. Anna Featherstone, co-founder of the Auckland Women’s Interfaith Initiative, then offered a heartfelt opening prayer for peace. The singing of the national anthem was followed by a UPF presentation on “Peace Begins in the Family,” establishing the central theme of the event.
Rev. Kenji Watanabe, president of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) New Zealand, introduced the Family Peace Leader Program under the theme “Strengthen Families – Build Community – Shape the Nation.” His presentation highlighted the essential role of strong, caring families in nurturing responsible citizens, resilient communities and a peaceful society.
Despite the chilly, windy weather, the dedicated peace advocates then joined in a Peace Road March from the Peace Embassy to the main courtyard of the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Carrying the event banner and flags, participants walked together as a visible expression of their shared commitment to peace.
The museum courtyard is where Auckland’s ANZAC Day commemorative service is traditionally held to honor members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought in World War I, and all other military personnel who died in war and conflict. The group paused to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation and for freedom. In this solemn setting, participants offered a prayer for peace and reflected on the responsibility shared by people of every background to help build a more peaceful future.
The commemoration concluded with acknowledgements, refreshments and informal fellowship. Although modest in scale, the gathering demonstrated the dedication of those who came together in challenging weather to pray, learn and walk for peace. The day’s message was clear: peace is strengthened through committed individuals, loving families and communities willing to work together for the common good.
