Hīkoi Rangimarie brings us together in a walk for peace and remembrance

Close to twenty kaimahi (staff) and ākonga (students) gathered for the annual Hīkoi Rangimarie (Peace Walk) in Mt Albert on Monday.

The hīkoi began at the Events Kitchen in Te Puna with a prayer led by Pae Arahi, Matua Hare Paniora.

The group then walked in unison to the Memorial Grove near Gate 4, some holding signs with messages of peace, where prayers and reflections were offered.

The victims of the Christchurch Mosque attacks on 15 March 2019 were remembered.

There were also calls for peace for those affected by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Coordinator of the Chaplaincy and Multifaith Team, Ricky Waters, says the event was an important opportunity for the community to pause and reflect together.

“It was great to see some of our kaimahi and ākonga give their time to collectively remember those killed in Christchurch in 2019, and to reflect on those who continue to lose their lives through acts of warfare and aggression throughout the world.”

“While we walked together for peace — Hīkoi Rangimarie — acts of enmity are still taking place on the world stage, and perhaps within our own communities. When we proclaim peace, those conversations begin with listening — hearing one another and reflecting on our inner selves.”

Mun Naqvi, Technology Centre Coordinator, says the walk also highlighted the importance of celebrating diversity.

“Since we initiated the Hīkoi Rangimarie, one of the key themes has been celebrating our diversity,” Mun says.

Quoting from the Qur’an, he added: “And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colours. Indeed, in that are signs for those who know” (Al Qur’an 30:22).

“In these troubled times, another important theme is comforting and reassuring one another — praying together with the hope that peace will prevail.”