On Saturday 8 November 2025, UPF New Zealand hosted the third annual Youth and Family Peace Day at the Due Drop Event Centre, Sir Robinson Conference Centre, Manukau, Auckland. The event welcomed over 150 participants representing a rich variety of community, faith, and cultural groups — united by a shared conviction that strong families are the foundation of lasting peace.
Opening Ceremony
The programme commenced at 1:00 pm with an opening ceremony led by Mr Geoffrey Fyers, UPF NZ Secretary-General, and Mr Amon Watanabe of FFWPU Youth. The ceremony was grounded in a karakia offered by Apotoro Shannon Leilua of the Ratana Church, followed by the singing of the New Zealand national anthem.
Mr Ross Robertson QSC, AFP, delivered the keynote address on the theme "Family Building is Nation Building" — affirming that the health of a nation begins not in parliament or policy, but around the family table. Opening remarks were also given by Mr Kenji Watanabe, UPF NZ Chairman. The LDS Church Manukau Stake added a warmly received musical performance to the opening proceedings.
Three Core Sessions
The day's programme was structured around three sessions, each addressing a key dimension of UPF New Zealand's mission:
1. Creating a Family and Marriage Culture
Presentations from Mr Elliot Ikilei, Mr Graham Malungahu, and Mr Geoffrey Fyers highlighted practical community initiatives that support marriage and family life. Speakers drew on their own experience working with families across Auckland to illustrate that a culture of strong marriages is built one relationship, one community at a time.
2. Peace Starts with Me — Youth Breakout Session
An interactive youth session placed young people at the centre of the peace-building conversation. Participants explored individual responsibility in peacemaking, learned about ongoing community initiatives including weekly neighbourhood rubbish clean-ups, and engaged creatively through a hat decoration activity. The session reflected UPF's belief that peace is not an abstract ideal — it begins with personal choices and everyday acts of service.
3. Becoming Blessed Families — Inclusion Across Faiths, Races, and Cultures
The third session celebrated the diversity of Aotearoa through a Pasifika dance performance and blessings from faith leaders across the community. The session affirmed that the vision of the blessed family is one that transcends ethnicity and tradition — welcoming all people into a shared commitment to love, service, and unity.
Cultural Performances
Cultural performances from Indian, Chinese, and Pasifika communities added colour and vibrancy to the day, reinforcing the spirit of inclusion that has become a hallmark of Youth and Family Peace Day. Each performance was a reminder that Aotearoa's multicultural identity is one of its greatest strengths.
Closing Ceremony
The day concluded with a "Visioning the Future" ceremony, inviting participants to reflect on the kind of New Zealand they wish to build together. Closing remarks were delivered by Mrs Anne Degia-Pala, and participants joined in a communal singing of "Where Peace Begins." Between sessions, attendees connected over afternoon tea and explored exhibition tables hosted by a range of partner organisations.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As preparations begin for the fourth annual Youth and Family Peace Day, scheduled for 14 November 2026, organisers are building on the successes of this year's event. The focus will remain on fostering inclusive family values, encouraging youth engagement, and strengthening interfaith collaboration for peace and harmony across Aotearoa.
Special thanks go to all staff and volunteers who made the day possible — including Anna, Moana, and Rachael, the FFWPU dance team, HTG missionaries, and Barry, our dedicated photographer.