Although that group had gathered before 1pm at the Otago Museum Reserve site, many other people also stopped and listened for some time before moving on, after the event began at 12.30pm.
Kaumatua Dave Ellison, University of Otago Language Centre chief executive officer Roger McElwain, and Dunedin Multi-Ethnic Council president Paul McDonald Gourlie were among the speakers at the gathering. Mr Gourlie praised the growing ethnic diversity of Otago University students and Dunedin’s overall population and was one of a series of speakers who highlighted the importance of peace.
Growing links between people from different backgrounds in the city reflected the fulfilment of a dream of togetherness envisaged in the words of God Defend New Zealand: "In the bonds of love we meet", he said.
The Musselburgh School kapa haka group gave stirring performances, and peace-related presentations of various kinds came from language centre students.
