BLIA Attend PRC Consulate-General CNY Festival

For this 2016 Year of the Monkey, the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Christchurch held a Chinese New Year Festival Reunion event at the Air Force Museum in Christchurch. The event was attended by New Zealand Minister of Customs Hon Nicky Wagner, Mayor of Christchurch Hon Lianne Dalziel, Wigram MP Megan Woods, Councillor Jimmy Chen, other distinguished guests, fellow members of the Christchurch Chinese community, organisations and businesses, making up a total of about 200 people. Fo Guang Shan South Island New Zealand were among the invited groups, represented by Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand Vice President Louisa Kuo and Directors Jason Liu, Cao Qian and English sub chapter Sally Lim.

Consul General Jin Zhijian remarked on how China - New Zealand relations reached a new height last year, not only progressing in terms of economic and financial cooperation, but also in the way of cultural and educational developments. Direct flights between Guangzhou and Christchurch by China Southern Airlines have also commenced at the end of last year, while sister-city relations between China and New Zealand continue to strengthen, and welcoming ShenZhen as another new sister city.

Minister of Customs Hon Nicky was happy to have attended the Chinese New Year celebrations. The 4000-year history of China is very rich, and it is great seeing the ties between New Zealand and China becoming closer and closer over the years, with more Chinese students and business people arriving to Christchurch and helping with the city's prosperity.

The event organizers specially arranged for performers from Yunan province to dance that day, showcasing to the Christchurch audience some of the traditional Chinese dance elements from that area as a form of cultural exchange. Consul General Jin also thanked the BLIA South Island members for coming, and he specifically asked about the temple's repair progress. BLIA Vice President Louisa Kuo replied that the temple is in the process of reopening its doors, and cordially invited Mr. Jin and his wife to come to visit when it's ready, and experience the simple pleasures of the Dharma.