Christchurch to welcome World Peace Bell

27 September 2006

Next Tuesday 3 October, The Christchurch Botanic Gardens will officially welcome a World Peace Bell, donated to New Zealand by The World Peace Bell Association. 

The bell, a replica of the original World Peace Bell at the United Nations in New York, was gifted to Christchurch last year. It will be the 21st World Peace Bell. They are in 19 countries; the closest in Australia.

Last August a deputation from the World Peace Bell Association in Tokyo visited Christchurch and its members were pleased with plans for its Botanic Gardens site.

Site work began on the concrete and steel housing for the 385kg bell in July.

It will stand on a raised area that will be prominent when entering the gardens from the Hagley Park daffodil woodlands near the band rotunda. It will form the centrepiece of an Asian-style garden and become a starting point for a Peace Walk through the city.

The City Council and the New Zealand chapter of the World Peace Bell Association have been working on this project for about two years.

The local World Peace Bell chapter is being supported by several funding organisations, Linwood/Woolston Rotary and businesses. It has a growing membership of individuals, local bodies, and small business interests throughout New Zealand.

• From 6.30pm there will be a short public ceremony to gift the bell to Christchurch, which will be attended by representatives of the World Peace Bell Association from both Japan and Australia.  Afterwards all those attending will be invited to light a candle for peace and place it in the Avon River. All are very welcome.

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