On 12th April 2022, the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Kendra Yung-Shao Chen and her team visited FGS Auckland. They were warmly welcomed by FGS NZ Abbess Manshin, FGS Auckland Minister in charge Venerable Rulian, Venerables, BLIA North Island President Yulin Ku, Advisor Lintao Yu, the Executive Principal of Fo Guang Chinese School Ms Ika Tseng and BLIA committees.
Abbess congratulated Director Chen on her inauguration and guided her in offering flowers to the Buddha at the Main Shrine. Then, they had a Temple tour and visited Art Galleries which the concept and functions of the building were explain in details. The Abbess also mentioned about the gardening chores in Temple, which the branches can use for floral arrangements.
Director Chen learnt that FGS NZ is concerned about the community, especially during the outbreak of Omicron. As the pandemic severely affected the operation of local schools, they were desperately needed the RAT Kits. The Temple urgently distributed 15000 RAT kits with support from BLIA World HQ to help 97 local schools to cope with the pandemic. Moreover, the distribution ran smoothly with the help of NZ Police, which speed up the process. Furthermore, the Temple supported local farmers and floriculturists and organised the annual education program 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing, where over ten thousand of students and parents can learn great value to their lives.
On her first visit to the Temple, Director Chen listened attentively to Abbess and responded with many questions, to which she was patiently answered. She praised the Temple for serving and giving back to the community through culture, art and education. Temple is a treasured place full of Chan, peace and tranquillity resulting from heart and wisdom. She hoped to visit the Temple in the future and build up the virtue culture together. Abbess presented Director Chen with The Way of Life and BLIA Annual Report for her to understand the activities been organised over the years by FGS Auckland and Christchurch.
