The Global Human Rights Torch Relay has been welcomed in a ceremony on the beach in Nelson, as it prepares to leave New Zealand's South Island.
Nelson's Greek Goddess of Justice made a grand entrance from the sea, aboard one of four Maori waka.
A crowd of around 50 people gathered to listen to Giro, a west African-style band from Golden Bay, as the Human Rights Torch reached the beach at Tahunanui.
Chairperson of the Nelson Council of Churches, Gary Clover, welcomed the torch at Tahunanui Beach. He said he is deeply concerned about the rights of all people in China and Tibet, including religious groups, and dissidents.
Former MP Mike Ward accepted the torch on behalf of Nelson city and said although the standard of living in China had increased, the world needs to tell China that we are disappointed with the human rights abuses.
"For a country with a rich and wonderful history, this is a blemish that undermines the more wonderful achievements."
"We believe that the Olympics and Crimes against Humanity cannot coexist in China," he said.
Glen Law, 18 of Christchurch, spoke at a ceremony at Anzac Park. He said he hoped the torch would help to bring an end to the persecution of China's people.
"My greatest concern is that this is not going to stop.
"I believe that everyone should have their human rights and silence is consent," he said.
Philip Vincent from the Riverside Community, said the Olympics could not take place in one part of Beijing while people are being executed for their organs.
The torch will visit Napier on Sunday and Gisborne on December 31 - to see the first sunlight in the world for 2008, before it leaves for Los Angeles January 1.
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