Feb 12, 2008

Who Is Behind This Initiative?

About a year ago, Mayor Predergast proposed that Wellington become a "Peace City"". She withdrew the idea in the face of still opposition from within her council and from the business community.

We note that Mayor Prendergast is set to open, on 29 March, the World Peace Summit 2008. The theme for this summit is climate change. Aside from Mayor Prendergast a distinguished list of speakers is arranged, including Canon Rod Oram, NIWA's David Wratt, and Dr Andy West, CEO of AgResearch.

The keynote speaker, and it seems founder of the World Peace Summit is this fellow:




Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda (Swamiji)

The founder of Sri Swami Madhavananda World Peace Council, author of the system "Yoga in Daily Life" which is acknowledged and established worldwide, and founder of International Sri Deep Madhavananda Ashram Fellowship. His Holiness Swamiji originates from Rajasthan, India and has resided in Vienna Austria since 1972. He has dedicated his life to aid humanity through the principles and practices of Yoga. For the last 40 years Swamiji has pioneered interfaith dialogues and meetings throughout the world, in order to establish global harmony amongst religions and nations. His humanitarian aid projects include a spiritual education and environmental sustainability centre servicing local communities through projects that include rainwater harvesting, reforestation, education for children and the establishment of women’s health and education programs.

The only supporter listed on the programme for this conference is the Governor General.

We want to know:
- Is The New Zealand Government sponsoring this conference in any way?
- Is Wellington City Council sponsoring this conference?
- Are the speakers being paid?