Fo Guang Shan New Zealand
February 26, 2024

During the first 3 days of the Chinese New Year Celebration, Fo Guang Shan Temple in Auckland served over 20,000 visitors for New Year blessings. On 15 February 2024, Superintendent Scott Gemmell, Director of Partnerships for Tāmaki Makaurau, visited the Temple to ensure the community’s safety. Abbess Manshin accompanied Supt Gemmell to the Main Shrine offering prayers for the nation. Abbess explained the Temple’s New Year activities, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit on Chinese New Year’s Eve, where he greeted the public and distributed auspicious red packets.

The Temple expressed gratitude for all assistance provided by the New Zealand Police over the years during the Chinese New Year Celebration, including public safety and traffic control. The lion dance performances by NZP have gained a heap of great feedback from the public.

Supt Gemmell was impressed by the large crowd and the distribution of over ten thousand auspicious red packets. He also viewed a video of the Lights of Wisdom Blessing Show and When Buddha Meets the Gods Festival at the FGS Buddha Museum in Taiwan. Supt Gemmell admired the scale of the FGS Headquarters and expressed deep respect for the achievements of FGS’s Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, venerating his significant contributions to humanity over the years. He expresses his interest in visiting the Headquarters and Buddha Museum in Taiwan.

To thank the NZ Police, Abbess Manshin, along with President Evelyn KU of BLIA North Island and Minister in Charge Venerable Rulian, visited the Manukau East Police Station, delivering pomelos to wish the police officers an auspicious and safe New Year. An explanation from the Abbess on how to peel the fruits, its nutritional benefits and how the peel can be used as a natural insect repellent.

Area Commander of Manukau East Inspector Rodney Honan and Sen Sgnt Anson LIN thanked the Abbess for bringing warmth and joy to the dedicated officers. Sen Sgnt Richard Bracey, attending the CNY Festival at the Temple for the first time, expressed his honour in participating in the celebrations with thousands of attendees and was moved by the harmonious atmosphere at the festival.