MPES Held at Fo Guang Shan

The Maori Pacific and Ethnic Advisory Board Meeting were held at the temple on 11th December. It was attended by over 40 Manukau Police Officers and representatives of the Maori and Pacific Council. Venerable Abbess Manshin was invited to consecrate the event by offering prayers via the 4 Mottos of BLIA as well as beseeching for the Buddha’s protections. She also shared words of advice for the police operations. Superintendent John Tims and Human Right Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy also gave opening addresses.

Superintendent Tims thanked the temple and the Abbess for their constant support as well as all the efforts from the Human Right Commission. Under these close cooperation this year’s crime rate have dramatically decreased. He believes the strategy of prevention have yielded great results. The Superintendent also wished everyone to have a great Xmas holiday and a happy new year.

Dame Susan Devoy reaffirmed New Zealand’s positive multi-cultural status in the world and her need to rely on the cooperation between community and the police to complete more endeavours. Dame Devoy also praised the courage of many Kiwis who understand the difference between right and wrong, therefore stepping forward to challenge unwholesome behaviours; otherwise racism will continue to exist. She also praised Fo Guang Shan’s magnificent presence and promised to have a longer visit and have a more in-depth conversation with the Abbess. She further elaborated that the challenge for New Zealand is how to foster more positive race relations, therefore hopes to receive more practical guidance and advice from this panel.

Special motions raised for this meeting included:
1. MPES activities report for 2015 and future strategies for 2016
2. How to improve operation efficiencies
3. All teams explain the respective problems they’ve faced and method of solutions.