The World Harmony Run has finally kicked off in New Zealand! After weeks of preparation, the day finally came to start running. There were smiles all around this morning as the runners gathered in a park on the North Shore of Auckland city. The lessons on how to hold the torch gave us all great joy as we gathered in anticipation like excited school kids. We had a few moments of silence to mark the opening of the run.

The air was crisp as we ran up long hills and down curvy roads. We were eager to reach the first school in our World Harmony Run schools programme.

At the first school Hayden gave a very nice talk about world harmony. The kids were in very good spirits and very open to the message of the Run.

The torch was passed from person to person.

On the road again, we stopped to enjoy the view.

We were very grateful to a kind and generous café owner who supplied us with bottled water.

At the second school Pip took the stage. All arms were raised with ideas and thoughts about world harmony. When it came time to sing the famous World Harmony Run song, the kids joined in without a moment’s hesitation. As they passed by to touch the torch, we could see the concentration in their faces as they paused to make a wish for world harmony. These were touching moments.

The team ran for about an hour to Devonport beach where we met people who were very interested in the Run and wanted to hold the Harmony Torch. We all enjoyed ice cream as a perfect finish to a fantastic first day of the World Harmony Run in New Zealand.

See poems from the schools we visited today.