A farewell for the Mayor of Christchurch Hon. Lianne Dalziel BLIA member send their warm blessings

Christchurch Mayor Hon. Lianne Dalziel is about to step down from her position. On 19 September, the Christchurch City Council's Multicultural Advisory Group held a farewell party for the mayor at The Atrium Tennis Centre in the city center, inviting 250 people from all walks of life in Christchurch to attend. The Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island was invited, and 6 representatives from BLIA attended the event to convey Venerable Abbess Manshin's blessings and concern. People of different nationalities and ethnicities, including Maori, Chinese, Malay, Japanese, and African, also attended the event wearing ethnic costumes, presenting a colorful display of folk customs.

Hon. Lianne has been interacting closely with Fo Guang Shan (FGS)and BLIA South Island since she served as a minister in 2004. When she became the Mayor of Christchurch in 2013, she was also strongly supported by BLIA members. The Mayor continued to support the activities of BLIA members, and over the years, she has frequently attended the "Buddha’s Birthday Festival" to pray for world peace. On the day of the farewell party, BLIA members presented the Mayor with the "2022 BLIA New Zealand Activities report," thanking for her participation and jointly writing a historical chapter for Buddhism in New Zealand. The Mayor was deeply moved and encouraged FGS to continue to hold more beneficial community activities and create a beautiful and virtuous land for New Zealand.

Dr. Hafsa Ahmed, the Chair of the Canterbury Religious Council, led the attendees in a prayer ceremony, and Christchurch City’s Councillor Anne Galloway and representatives from various units delivered speeches to thank the Mayor. They spoke about the Mayor's hard work and affable personality, and how she had made many contributions to the community during her years in politics, including extending a helping hand to many immigrants and refugees. Each speaker expressed their deep respect for her.

In her speech, Mayor Hon. Lianne Dalziel said, "32 years ago today, I began my political career. Thank you to my political partners who have supported and assisted me over the years, especially in rebuilding Christchurch after the earthquake. Multiculturalism plays an important role in Christchurch, and because of your integration, the city has added color and vitality to its pulse. I hope you all continue to play your role in adding value to Christchurch!"