Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland held its Buddha’s Birthday Celebration of World Peace on 11 April 2026, bringing together more than 300 guests from government, community, religious and cultural sectors. Abbess Manshin led the congregation in chanting the Heart Sutra in the Main Shrine and reciting Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for World Peace. Among the distinguished guests was Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher LUXON, who attended the celebration alongside President Yulin KU of BLIA North Island, Director Kendra CHEN of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland, Deputy Commissioner Jill ROGERS of New Zealand Police, Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan GRAY, Area Commander Inspector Rod HONAN, Inspector Anson LIN, Howick Local Board member Damian LIGHT and Flat Bush School principal Banapa AVATEA.
The ceremony also included blessings offered through karakia and interfaith prayers. Māori elder John DOBSON of the O Wairoa Marae Committee, Māori warrior Tamiaho Herangi-Searancke, Anglican representative Rev Bruce KEELEY, and Catholic representative Rev Deacon Chris SULLIVAN each took part in prayers for peace and goodwill.
Abbess Manshin shared that all beings are equal and that every life deserves respect and compassion. We are fortunate to live in New Zealand, where stability and peace are made possible through thoughtful leadership and dedicated service. Abbess encouraged everyone to cherish these blessings and work together to nurture a harmonious society. Drawing on the spirit of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, who devoted his life to sharing wise teachings, serving others and promoting harmony, the Abbess encouraged the public to uphold the guiding principles of the Three Acts of Goodness, the Four Givings and the Five Harmonies, so that our communities can flourish in wellbeing and abundance.
Prime Minister LUXON said it was a privilege to join the Buddha’s Birthday celebration, mark Fo Guang Shan’s 60th anniversary, and commemorate the centenary of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s birth. He highlighted the Venerable Master’s emphasis on harmony and coexistence serves as an important reminder to step away from the demands of daily life, pause and reflect on how people can treat one another with greater care and respect. The Prime Minister also thanked Abbess Manshin, the Temple team and BLIA members for their warm service and community spirit, praising them as role models for building a more harmonious society.
President Yulin KU thanked Abbess and the Temple for their leadership in sharing kindness with the community. She said that through collective effort, the light of the Buddha’s teachings has continued to shine in people’s hearts. Looking back on major events in 2025, including the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing, the Art Salon and the VEGRUN, she thanked members and supporters for their commitment and encouraged them to continue working together to serve the community and benefit others.
Director General CHEN noted that Venerable Master Hsing Yun founded Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan 60 years ago, and that it has since grown into a global community with more than 300 temples and 10 universities around the world. She said it is through the Venerable Master’s compassion and great vows that the Buddha’s light has been passed on across generations. She encouraged all to express gratitude to the Buddha, to the Venerable Master and to Fo Guang Shan, and pray that the light of compassion and harmony will continue to illuminate the world.
Deputy Commissioner ROGERS said the Buddha’s wisdom offers strength and calm to the human spirit. Referring to the Venerable Master’s prayer, in which he wishes for a world shaped by mutual respect, cooperation, inclusion and harmony, she said those words also inspire police officers to uphold their mission and commitment to keeping communities safe.
The celebration featured a vibrant cultural programme, including a lion dance and Dunhuang Dance by BLIA YAD Auckland, a performance by a Scottish pipe band, a haka by Papatoetoe Intermediate School, and Rhythm of the World Singing and Poi E Performance.
The two-day Buddha Birthday Celebration also included a Baby & Children Blessing Ceremony, a local market, the Prince Siddhartha Exhibition and more. Through this annual celebration, the Temple hopes that every visitor will receive the Buddha’s blessings of peace and auspiciousness.
