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World March for Peace Begins in Wellington


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World March for Peace and Nonviolence supporters


The World March for Peace and Nonviolence starts off their 3 month long voyage to promote peace in all realms of life, protest the use of nuclear arms, and spread a message of universal acceptance and love today, October 2nd, the anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Ghandi. The travelling march will visit 90 countries on 6 continents, ending in Argentina on January 2 of next year.


A ceremony was held in the courtyard at the Wellington train station this morning and a wreath of flowers placed over the neck of the statue of Ghandi which is posed in a walking position in the gardens facing the rail station.


Numerous representatives from Wellington government including the Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon, Maori community leaders, as well as World March for Peace and Nonviolence organisers made speeches of encouragement and support to Wellington marchers, who faced chilling winds throughout this morning's demonstration.

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After being lead through the Parliament grounds by New Zealand Coordinator and Head Marshall for the march, Alyn Ware, the crowd sat for a free concert at St. Andrews on the Terrace.



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Marchers on the Parliament steps.


Performers included local Wellington musicians Graham Albright, Carlos Nave, and Sala-Marlene Tyler. The Topp Twins, fresh from gathering a People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival, reminded the crowd that New Zealanders are "peace warriors" and do have the power to make change in the world.



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The Topp Twins address the crowd at St. Andrews Terrace.


Alyn Ware closed the concert by taking the stage himself, singing and playing a song he wrote, "Aotearoa Nuclear Free Zone" on acoustic guitar.

The march continued on to various historical city sites and peace events throughout the afternoon, concluding back at the railway station in the evening.

For more information on the March for World Peace and Nonviolence visit the official website at http://www.theworldmarch.org/ .

ENDS

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