Fo Guang Shan Attends Chinese New Year’s Celebration at the Parliament

The New Zealand parliament celebrations of Chinese New Year were held once again held on 11th February. This event was attended by Prime Minister Hon John Key, Ethnic Affairs Minister Hon Judith Collins, Vice Minister Melissa Lee and Chinese Ambassador Wang Lutong. A delegation from Fo Guang Shan was also invited, including Venerable Juehao, Venerable Miaoyu, BLIA members Sally Wong and Melody. There were altogether 200 guests at this event.

The evening’s festivities included many traditional Chinese performances such as the dragon and lion dances, and violinists performing ethnic Chinese musical pieces.

Prime Minister John Key spoke about New Zealand’s multicultural and multi-ethnic qualities, as well as the great relationship and cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand. The Chinese Ambassador also spoke in affirmation of this friendship between the two nations. Finally Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins thanked the local Chinese community for all their contributions toward building this good relationship.