FGS Auckland Chinese New Year Eve Celebration
On 21st January 2023, a series of celebrations were at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland, including offering the first incense, giving out auspicious new year red packets, new year’s countdown, striking wishing bell, vegetarian food stall and more. One of the highlight was the lion dance performance by 5 police officers from Counties Manukau East and the youth group in Temple. Over 4000 people visited the Temple to welcome the Year of the Rabbit.
Before the celebration, FGS NZ Abbess Manshin led the Temple team, BLIA members and volunteers to set up each corner to prepare for the Chinese New Year. The Kitchen team was also busy preparing delicious and healthy vegetarian foods for the public. Police officers from Counties Manukau East also helped for traffic control on the eve to ensure public safety.
The New Year Eve Dharma Function was start at 9pm, and the New Year Morning Chanting was start at 10pm. Abbess Manshin led the blessing ceremony and convey Venerable Master blessing words to the congregate - May Benevolence and Harmony Bring Peaceful Wellbeing. Let Abundance and Joy Yield Auspiciousness in Our Lives. Wishing everyone receive the blessing and protection from Buddha, to have a broaden heart, enhance compassion and wisdom, and be more enlighten.
FGS Honorary Benefactor Mr MingTai Wong wishing everyone has a joyful and hopeful year. Director of BLIA Oceania Fellowship Committee Ms Dolly Tsai expressed that it is so blessed for everyone to gather in good health, with a joyous heart and gratitude.
Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland, Ms Kendra Chen shared that this is her first time celebrating Chinese New Year in FGS Temple. She felt warmth and proud that the Temple deeply engaged with the community which brings extraordinary values, for instances, sending 15000 RAT Kits to schools, supporting local artists and education program to benefit schools.
The leader of NZ Opposition Party and MP for Botany, Christopher Luxon specially came to join the celebration. He shared that ‘It is wonderful to be able to celebrate Chinese New Year here in New Zealand. Abbess Manshin is someone I have huge respect for. I just admire the work of her and the leadership and all of her team for the great work that they do here in our community. It is a real privilege and a tremendous honor to be here’.
Senior Sergeant Anson Lin, who also the Director of BLIA North Island, shared his greeting and thanks the Temple for presenting a wonderful Chinese New Year to New Zealander. School Community Officer, Constable Darren Bullen expressed that ‘It's an incredible experience to celebrate CNY in the Temple. It's so humbling to see such a big community come together in one place and celebrate something, so peaceful, joyous and absolute pleasure to be here’.