Ngāruawāhia, September 30, 2020. The civic association Servare et Manere is pleased to inform that His Majesty Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the current Maaori King in New Zealand has become a new Friend of Peace of International Tree of Peace project.

The project Tree of Peace was originally created as a memorial to the unknown victims of war conflicts – soldiers. Due to the fact that we are now increasingly facing various natural disasters, including epidemics, the number of victims of which can be counted to thousands of, the project is also a tribute to those people. And when it comes to military conflicts, we cannot forget the civilian victims either. Another consequence of any military conflict is a huge environmental burden, resulting in a severe pollution and degradation of the soil, air and water. We can only cope with the consequences of every disaster if we understand each other and respect each other. Friend of Peace is an honest and formal function related to the international project Tree of Peace. The holders of this title and award express support for this project in the country of their birth. Good ideas and projects need the support of strong friends. Our association strives to reach out to influential personalities from across the spectrum of society on a global scale. We place great emphasis on the Oceania region.

The priority of His Majesty Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is the establishment of peace and unity among the Maaori people, preservation of original New Zealand nature and heritage and the restoration of mana Maaori motuhake (Maaori self-determination and governance). We hope that the honorary position of a Friend of Peace will help the efforts of His Majesty. It is our great desire and it would be a privilege to plant a Tree of Peace in a symbolic place in New Zealand one day under his high patronage.