The United Nations has one at its headquarters in New York.
Now Waitakere is the new owner of a 105kg Japanese Peace Bell. The bronze bell, which measures 95 by 49cms, is a gift from Waitakere’s sister city of 17 years, Kakogawa. It is a symbol of the peace principles needed to build a great city, says Mayor Harvey.
“This bell will ring the message of peace across our communities. It’s saying we want homes without violence, neighbourhoods that support each other. Peace will always be at the heart of everything we do in Waitakere and Japan’s city Kakogawa recognises us for it.”
The Peace Bell was unveiled at the Japanese Garden at Waitakere Central on November 1. It is the latest of many gifts from Kakogawa. Those include a first call ambulance and the Japanese Garden where the peace bell stands.
Waitakere donated three Pou Whenua (totem poles) to Kakogawa in 1996. Kakogawa offers English teaching positions to Waitakere residents, while Waitakere hosts disabled students from Kakogawa. The cities also run a student exchange programme annually.
“Kakogawa has been a huge part of the history of Waitakere,” says Mayor Harvey. “Our relationship began in 1991 with a 'friendship agreement'. Now we’re more like family.”
Waitakere became a Peace City in 2007.
Mayor Harvey is Vice President of Mayors for Peace, which has more than 4000 member cities from over 130 countries
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