Peace Week

The horrific Christchurch Mosques attack on 15 March 2019 was followed by an amazing outpouring of aroha (love) and compassion that offered hope and healing at a time of potential despair and division. Since the first anniversary, many people sought ways to reconnect to that solidarity but were unsure what could be done and what would be appropriate.   

Established in 2021, the University of Auckland’s annual Peace Week is a coordinated approach with acts of service and charity to honour the 51 Shuhada (martyrs) and the other victims. It is also an opportunity to learn and understand our different cultures, ethnicities, and faiths by sharing, having conversations and doing good work.  

Peace Week is an invitation to the university community, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, religion or background – to set aside time and energy to see each other and recognise our shared humanity. It is an opportunity to grow social capital, social cohesion and cultural and religious diversity literacy by facilitating connections and extending these to new networks and people we don’t usually interact with.   

The theme for this year is “Empowering youth through holistic wellbeing”. 

In our current global environment of anxiety, stress, inward and outward turmoil, many look at statements such as “bring your whole self to study, work, etc”, or other wellbeing statements as a way of coping. This year, we look at how to empower young people through a holistic lens.  

Dr. Abdallah Rothman, a prominent figure in the field of Islamic psychology, emphasises that holistic wellbeing is not merely the absence of mental illness but a comprehensive state that encompasses the soul (nafs), heart (qalb), mind ('aql), spirit (rūḥ), and body (jism). He frequently highlights that true healing requires integrating these dimensions, noting, "Wellbeing is not just about mental health that lives in our brain. It encompasses all aspects of us". 

There is also Te Whare Tapa Wha. This holistic health model was developed by leading Māori health advocate Sir Mason Durie in 1984, and describes health and wellbeing as a wharenui, meeting house with four walls. These walls represent:

• Taha wairua, spiritual wellbeing
• Taha hinengaro, mental and emotional wellbeing
• Taha tinana, physical wellbeing 
• Taha whānau, family and social wellbeing

The relationship with the whenua, land serves as the fundamental basis.  A person thrives when these factors are balanced, but wellbeing suffers if any are not.  

Previous themes and key messages include:

• Charity - turn our good intentions into intentional acts for good - recognising this is something that we can all invest a bit of our time and effort into.  
• Empathy - is stronger than sympathy and has the power to transform relationships and create fundamental social change.  
• Unity in diversity - building (sometimes difficult) bridges and respecting each other by accepting our similarities, as well as our differences. 
• Justice and courage – understanding that real peace can only be achieved with justice and that standing for justice often takes considerable courage and resilience.   
• Unmasking Prejudice – by using the power of knowledge and empathy.  

Peace Week Launch Event

Date: Monday 23 March
Time: 6.15pm arrival for a 6.30pm start
Location: Lecture Theatre 260-092, OGGB, 12 Grafton Road, City Campus

The launch of Peace Week will include a presentation and Q&A session with  distinguished speakers, Rev Dr Carolyn Kelly and Associate Professor Mohi Rua, about the importance of holistic wellbeing as a key aspect of empowering young people.

The seminar will be followed by light refreshments (Halal). 

Peace Week Expo

Date: Thursday 26 March 2026
Time: 11.30am-1.30pm
Location: Student Quad, 34 Princes St, City Campus

A vibrant mix of stalls, activities, and community engagement to celebrate connection and culture during Peace Week. The event provides an opportunity to connect with organisations making a positive impact on the community around us. 

No registration needed. 

Peace Week: Weaving Empathy Workshop

Date: Thursday 26 March 2026
Time: 5-7pm
Location: Decima Glenn room, OGGB (260-310), 12 Grafton Road, City Campus

In a world that feels ever-more polarised, Weaving Empathy is an opportunity to slow down, share a meal, and bridge the gap between different perspectives. This will be kai as part of the workshop.

Prayer for Peace

Date: Friday 27 March
Time: 2-3pm
Location: Maclaurin Hall, 18 Princes St, City Campus

A moment of reflection and unity, the Prayer for Peace invites attendees to come together in seeking harmony, compassion, and understanding for our communities and the world. Through collective prayer and quiet reflection, we aim to foster hope, healing, and a shared commitment to peace. 

Ngā Roimata o Ranginui

Is a symbol of unity unveiled on the City Campus in 2020, and pays tribute to lives lost and reflects a commitment to supporting Muslim staff and students. 

Christchurch terror attack articles

There are various articles and pieces from the University around the attack, New Zealand's response and action to be taken.