World Peace Pole (1985)

This 'World Peace Pole' on the Robe Street lawn was dedicated by New Plymouth Mayor, David Lean, on 6 November 1985. (Daily News 7 November 1985)

This World Peace Pole was gifted to New Plymouth City by the World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS) through the North Taranaki Peace Group. The WPPS was founded in Japan in 1955. By 1985 50,000 poles had been erected in Japan and 250 around the world.

New Plymouth was the first city in New Zealand to accept a pole. It was reported that another pole had been erected at the New Plymouth Dayspring Centre's Westown property - 259A Tukapa Street.

There are now over 200,000 peace poles around the world. 

The metal pole is inscribed in four languages - English, Māori, French and Japanese.

May Peace Prevail on Earth

Kia Tau te Rangimaire ki Runga ki te Ao Katoa

Puisse la Paix Regner dans le Monde

[Japanese Text]

Related item:

Dedication of 'World Peace Pole" (Taranaki Herald 6 November 1985)