IAPP New Zealand was launched on February 17, 2018 at the Quality Hotel, Parnell, Auckland with MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, MP Anahila Suisuiki, MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan, former parliamentarian Mr Ross Robertson, several NGO and faith-based organizations’ leaders, UPF Ambassadors For Peace and His Excellency Jesus Domingo, the Ambassador of the Philippines, a total of about 85 participants.
The Morning Session:
Mr Greg Stone, UPF Oceania Secretary General, spoke on the relationship between Family and World Peace.
Mrs Bev Adair-Beets, Family First Youth Spokesperson, gave a talk on “The Impact of Globalization on the Indigenous People.”
Mrs Raewyn Bhana, Manager of SAFVPN spoke on “Domestic Violence: Indigenous Practices.”
Mr Adel Jamati, UPF-NZ Director, spoke on “Children Living in an Adverse Environment”
The Afternoon Session:
Mrs Felicity Cairns, President of the Women’s Federation For World Peace NZ was the panel coordinator.
Ambassador Domingo gave a warm testimony of his involvement with the UPF in the Philippines since 2000. He said attending this event is a homecoming for him.
Mrs Anahila, Ms Priyanca, Mr Bakshi and Mr Ross Robertson (current Deputy-Chairman in Otara-Papatoetoe local board), shared their insights on the “Critical Issues of Children, Youth and Families.” Their interaction with each other was warm and friendly. Raewyn and Bev joined the panel for the Q & A. Some enthusiastic members of the audience asked several good questions. Although there were more questions coming, the coordinator then had to move the time forward to the final session which was the launch of IAPP in New Zealand.
Greg Stone presented the photos of the launches of the IAPP around the world. Then he read the resolution and invited the parliamentarians and all the participants to sign it. The event was concluded with a group photo and refreshments.
There was a moving moment when we all stood and sang together the song: “Where Peace Begins.”
The goal of UPF is to create ONE FAMILY UNDER GOD. The diversity of the participants and the loving atmosphere that surrounded us made us feel as one family.
We had more to share with each other, so it was a warm goodbye with the hope to meet again.
Certainly, the year 2018 has dawned on us with love and goodwill from many wonderful and God-loving people. Together we can make a difference.
– Photos courtesy of Barry Noel; Written by Adel Jamati