Sean Gidall of the YHA hostel in Nelson very kindly offered the World Harmony Run team free accommodation for our first night in Nelson and a substantial discount for the remaining three nights. Sean and his staff were kind and helpful hosts and their hostel is among the best we have ever experienced. Here Sean holds the torch with the team before we set out to visit schools in Nelson and Motueka.

On a glorious, sunny Nelson day, the last of the New Zealand leg of the 2012 World Harmony Run, we ran into Victory Primary School in Nelson.

We were astonished and delighted to be greeted by a united nations of children, dressed in traditional dress.

In the presentation hall, we were then honoured with a traditional Maori welcome, or Mihi.

We presented the World Harmony Run play and DVD to a rapt audience.

The flame that represents our burning and climbing aspiration for a world of peace, harmony and oneness in the world.

With two girls leading the song, the school sang a beautiful song called One Day. It was so positive and uplifting! The World Harmony Run Team watched, and were inspired at the same time.

Outside we shared some informal time with the children, they kindly provided a refreshments and morning tea for the World Harmony Run Team. We then went for a 2km run with some excellent young runners! 

Children were touched by the magic of the torch flame.

Thank you Victory Primary School! What a wonderful program!

A twilight scene from Tasman Bay.

Situated in the town of Motueka in New Zealand's beautiful Tasman region, the Motueka Rudolph Steiner School was a lovely school to visit. The teachers and students greeted the team and embraced the message of the World Harmony Run with great enthusiasm!

The children loved the presentation!

We passed the World Harmony Run torch around the school grounds, silent wishes for world harmony were made, and the children bounded around, feeling the inspiration of running.

Kaiteriteri Beach, we got joy from the beauty of nature, and refreshed, continued onto our finale at Hampden Street School.

Sean and the children are enjoying the moment.

Colourful faces, smiling hearts.

The principal of Hampden Street School graciously poses with the torch and some of the children. She was very impressed with our message of the World Harmony Run and welcomed us back next time. Thank you Hampden Street School!

Nelson city councillor Mike Ward (above holding the torch) greeted the World Harmony Run on behalf of the Mayor of Nelson, Aldo Miccio. A former Green Party MP, Mike is also a distinguished athlete and artisan jeweller.

Mike Ward ran with the World Harmony Run from Blenheim to Nelson in 2008 and received the World Harmony Run's Torch Bearer Award on that occasion also. He reminisced with us about his participation in 2008, his sporting endeavours and life in general.

Meeting Mike Ward was a delight and an inpiration to our team and we thank him for taking the time to welcome the World Harmony Run to Nelson.

Some of the team outside the Nelson City Council chambers. We Love Nelson!

Video Message from Davidson Hepburn, President (2009 - 2011) of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for 25th Anniversary of the World Harmony Run and a vision for the decade: "Toward a Oneness-World".

Full Text of the 25th annversary message and link to 25 language informal Translations: http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/25

• Youtube video on African experience which illustrates IYY slogan "Our Year Our Voice" International Year of Youth - Zambia World Harmony. They surprisingly mention Presidents and UN Secretary-General in a unique way!

• Listen to the World-Harmony-Run song: 2 min version // 6 min

– Anurakta and Daniel

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