Wende Jowsey, Auckland Coordinator of the World March for Peace

On October 2, 2009 to January 2, 2010 The World March will encircle islands, continents and our planet, beginning in Aotearoa New Zealand on October 2, 2009, the anniversary of Gandhi's birth, declared the "International Day of Nonviolence" by the United Nations. It will conclude in the Andes Mountains (Punta de Vacas, Aconcagua, Argentina) on January 2, 2010. The March will last 90 days, three long months of travel. Why? Because we can end world hunger with 10% of what is spent on arms. Imagine how life would be if 30-50% of the arms budget went toward improving people's lives instead of being used for destruction. Because eliminating wars and violence means leaving human pre-history behind and taking a giant step forward in the evolution of our species. Because in this aspiration we are accompanied by the strength of the voices of hundreds of prior generations who suffered the consequences of war, and whose echo continues to be heard today in all those places where it continues to leave its sinister trail of dead, disappeared, disabled, refugees and displaced. Because a "world without wars" is an image that opens the future and seeks to become reality in every corner of the planet, as violence gives way to dialogue. Globally humanity is mobilising, for at heart we are realising that if we do not consciously take the power of the people into our own hands and set and shape ours and our childrens future, then it quite possibly will be forced upon us by outside forces. (e.g the Super City). To be honoured as the only Nuclear Free country on earth, this is a celebration that all NZers can rejoice and support whole heartedly. www.worldmarch.co.nz  &   www.theworldmarch.org Wende Jowsey Auckland Coordinator the World March Auckland Benefit concert at St Matthew-in-the-City 187 Federal St Auckland. Sat 4 July 2009 7.30-10pm. Tickets www.ticketek.com