Fo Guang Shan Invited to Counties Manukau Police Pay Parade
On the morning of 1st March the annual Police Pay Parade was held again on the streets of Manukau. Venerable Abbess Manshin from Fo Guang Shan North Island attended the event in honour of special invitations from Manukau Superintendent John Tims. The day’s proceedings included Police Minister Anne Tolley, Superintendent Tims, Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Bush, and officers from Manukau police with a grand total of 300 in attendance. Presenting members of Fo Guang Shan included Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Juehao, BLIA director Annie, and media team volunteer Candice.
Following the marching band of Scottish bag pipes, the solemn officers marched down the selected road thus begins the yearly Police Pay Parade. The simple yet dignified ceremony started with the inspection of parading officers by Police Minister Anne Tolley and Superintendent John Tims, which included uniformed officers, plain clothe officers, police dog teams, and office staffs. Who all impeccably lined up on top the lawn. The grand site touched everyone present. Minister Tolley thanked all the guests for attending and praised the efficiency of the Manukau Counties force. Whether it’s keeping public order or administration, all were performed to an exceptional standard. Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Bush thanked all the officers and outstanding citizens for their contributions to society on behalf of the entire force.
Superintendent Tims explained the origin of the pay parades comes from the ceremonies performed by all the officers every Sunday in the past when receiving their monthly wage. This tradition is thus preserved till this day in the form of parades, so the deeply meaningful tradition can be commemorated.
The inspection is followed by prize giving, where officers with exceptional performances were presented with certificates and medals. Many honourable and courageous citizens also received awards, which included store clerks that helped customers escape during armed robbery, and nurses that foiled attempts of baby snatching. All received thunderous applause from the commanding officers and guests in attendance. Prize giving thus completed under a relaxed atmosphere.
Minister Tolley expressed praises and appreciation toward police’s hard working contributions to the community, and emphasised the importance of cooperation between the force and public. Superintendent Tims thanked Fo Guang Shan delegate’s attendance, and expressed the important role of the public in keeping our communities safe.
Being a Patron of New Zealand Police’s 261 Battalion, Abbess Manshin met the officers to let them know that, after three years, everyone are still welcomed to come back to the temple for seminars and socials. The temple doors are always open to everyone.