Members of Fo Guang Shan Invited to NZ Parliament’s Lunar New Year’s Celebration

In response to invitations from New Zealand government’s Ethnic Affairs office, Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Rulian and Venerable Juexi arrived at the Bee Hive to attend the Lunar New Year’s Celebration on 13th February. The event was hosted by Ethnic Affairs Minister Hon Judith Collins and Prime Minister Hon John Key, guests in attendance also included many National party MPS, Chinese Ambassador Xu Jianguo leaders and representatives from many Chinese community and cultural organisations, and BLIA members such as advisor Peter Yong and South Island chairperson See Shen Lee, with a total attendance of 200 members.

The evening’s host Lucy Liang first introduced the meaning behind the Year of the Snake, followed by a short film documenting the Chinese tradition of celebrating New Years from the Ching Dynasty till present day Chinese communities within New Zealand. Then she reported the important works done by the Ethnic Affairs Office over the year. The Prime Minister was then invited to give a speech on stage. Hon John Key thanked and validated Chinese immigrant’s contributions toward the New Zealand economy, and strengthening the cooperation between China and New Zealand. He also expressed that Chinese culture has brought even more variety and vibrancy to New Zealand’s multicultural society, and concluded by wishing everyone happy New Years. This was followed by Hon Judith Collins speaking about the importance of multiculturalism. She encouraged the Chinese community to attend more activities organised by the Ethnic Affairs office, such as the EthnicA Conference 2013. Chinese Ambassador Xu Jianguo and New Zealand Chinese Association chairperson Yang Hui Fang Huan also praised the progress between China and New Zealand over the past year, and gave fortuitous New Year’s well wishes to everyone.

Afterwards the Soprano Ms Maggie Ding performed two beautiful songs followed by traditional Chinese lion dance. Abbess Manshin personally greeted the Prime Minister and gifted him Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “Unwavering Advancement despite Life's Twists and Turns Lead to the Attainment of Wisdom and Fortune.” calligraphy work. She also gave New Year’s farewells to the Ethnic Affairs Minister and many other MPs, and took the opportunity to describe Fo Guang Shan’s festivities during New Year’s celebration. Chinese Ambassador Xu Jianguo especially came over to meet the Abbess, and expressed that he will certainly visit the temple when the right opportunity comes.