Waiaroha joins global peace network

The Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre has been inducted into the global network of Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossom locations, joining 800 other inspirational places and landmarks around the world.

The Peace Blossoms initiative was inspired by the late Sri Chinmoy, a global ambassador of peace whose life was dedicated to the goal of world harmony and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Other Peach Blossom locations include the highest mountains in nine countries, the Niagara Falls, the Taj Mahal and many capital cities.

New Zealand was declared a Peace Blossom nation in 1989 and other places to be designated include Wellington city, Stonehenge in Masterton and Waiotapu thermal springs in Rotorua.

On Wednesday this week, members of the global relay – the Sri Chinmoy Peace Run – came to Waiaroha carrying a flaming torch to present a certificate of dedication.

A small ceremony included the Peace Run participants, Hastings councillors and staff, and mana whenua representatives.

Peace Run co-ordinator Jim Lawless said with its encouragement of appreciating the value of nature and safe drinking water Waiaroha was a great fit for the programme.

“This is of huge benefit both to the community and the environment and it’s enhanced by the involvement of iwi and its cultural inclusion.”

Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said Hastings District Council was very proud to have Waiaroha invited to join the Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossom global family.

“Waiaroha has been built to stand for love and peace in the knowledge that when hard times come, Waiaroha will be there to serve Heretaunga Hastings in its hour of need.

“Waiaroha is a water treatment and storage facility co-designed to include the best of engineering and Māori cultural infrastructure design, to uplift the community’s knowledge and understanding of our water and to encourage better attitudes towards our environment.”

 In weeks to come a plaque will be installed at the centre to acknowledge Waiaroha’s place in this peace network.

24 October 2023

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