FGS was invited to the NZ Parliament for the Chinese New Year celebration

Although Chinese New Year ended on the 6th of February, NZ Ethnic Affairs organised a celebration for Chinese New Year on the 8th February in the House of Parliament in Wellington; to acknowledge the importance of the Chinese ethnic group and its contributions.

Abbess ManShin, Venerable ManWang, Venerable JueXi and Venerable RuLian were invited to attend this event. Ethnics Affairs Deputy Minister Melissa Lee, Nicky Wagner, Police Commissioner Officer Wallace Haumaha, Police Strategic Officer Rakesh Naidoo and NZ-China Trade Development Zhu Kei Feng and other members of the Chinese association groups attended, with an approximated 200 guests for this celebration.

There was a snapshot of events in 2011, including FGS's contribution in relief of the Christchurch earthquakes.

Prime Minister Hon. John Key, Ethnic Affairs Minister Hon. Judith Collins and China Diplomat Yu Jian Guo arrived in the evening. A speech was delivered by the Prime Minister, acknowledging the contribution of the Chinese migrants to the economy and enrichment of NZ's multi-culture. He hopes there will be more collaboration with the Chinese in future.

Hon. Judith Collins and China Diplomat Mr. Yu Jian Guo, gave their speeches respectively, acknowledging the growth and hoping for a better working relation in the coming years.

Traditional Chinese art and cultural performances were presented to the guests, particular the DunHuang dance, which was met with great applause. Calligraphy Master Chen drew a Chinese dragon for Prime Minister Hon. John Key.

Abbess ManShin and the Venerables engaged talks with Hon. Judith Collins, Melissa Lee and other the members of Parliament; they were invited to attend Buddha's Day on the 15th of April for the North Island and 21st of April for the South island.

Dinner ended around 8pm. This Chinese New Year has demonstrated a good working relationship between the Kiwis and Chinese, and a hope for a better future.