Celebration of 75 Years of Women in the NZ Police Force – Bringing to the Torch to Fo Guang Shan
The New Zealand Police celebrated its 75 year anniversary since inducting its first female officers. For this occasion they passed two commemoration torches from the Bluff and Cape Reinga to the destination of Wellington on 1st August, where it will be met by a parade of active and retired female officers waiting for the torches.
On 7th July the torch passed through Fo Guang Shan North Island under a procession of New Zealand flag, Police flag and Buddhist flag, and was led by Counties Manukau Crime Manager Detective Inspector Dave Lynch and Counties Manukau Commander Wendy Spillar. With a contingent of female police there were 3 officers on horse who delivered the torch to the Avalokitesvara Shrine. The spectacle also drew many local citizens, students and tourist to witness the event.
Venerable Abbess Manshin and fellow Venerable also came to give the day’s blessings by reciting Buddhist sutra. The Abbess uttered Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma word: “Not forgetting one’s initial heart, being a helpful friend even if uninvited, not holding onto old grudges, according to the conditions while not be turned by it” This is to encourage the female officers to always service the public with bravery, patience and wisdom. Where they will be a proud part of the force.
Inspector Dave spoke about how women were neglected by the force, whether its position, wages and assignments, women not treated equal to men. But with modernity and changing of society, women are starting to play more important roles in the police force. So he is sure there will be more equality in the future.
Commander Spillar also reminisced about originally joining the force on 3rd June 1941. At the time female officers were required to wear skirts and hold hand bags, and they were only allowed to carry out duties like taking care of women and children. Now everyone wears the same uniform, carry the same equipment and have the same opportunities to carry out different duties. She also reaffirmed that Humanistic Buddhism’s ideal of 3 Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving is the same as responsibility of the police force. This is why there has been such good cooperation between the two organisations to build a safer community for New Zealand. To this she thanked the Abbess for leading her team do so much good for society. She also thanked all the female officers for their ongoing dedication and to their posts.
On the day members of Botany Downs College, Chan Centre Performance School and Golden Sail Dancing Group came to support the event with dancing performances. BLIA members also gave their very own hand gesture performance to the song “Harmonise”.
The officers requested to take a look at “Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One Stroke Calligraphy 2016 International Touring Exhibition”. Inside they watched the documentary “The story of one stroke calligraphy” and listened to the Abbess’s explanation of the Venerable Master’s work. Afterwards the officers exclaimed that despite not understanding English, they were all touched by the Venerable Master’s compassionate intentions. They hoped that there will be more English translations to these calligraphy treasures so they can better understand the profound meanings behind Buddhism.