On 10 May 2026, FGS Christchurch’s Water Drop Cafe held an English-style vegetarian afternoon tea to celebrate Mother’s Day, attracting nearly 100 people from the Christchurch community.
The Water Drop Cafe prepared a wide selection of handmade vegetarian afternoon tea treats. In addition to traditional English scones and sandwiches, guests enjoyed French dark chocolate mousse cake, matcha cream puffs, vegan mango cake, matcha red bean mousse, charcoal mini burgers, crispy potato bites with vegetables, and smoked garden-style mini rolls. The event became a delightful vegetarian dining experience for everyone.
Among the guests were prominent members of the community, including New Zealand’s first astronaut Mark Rocket and his wife Elena. Mark Rocket is a well-known entrepreneur and aerospace executive, as well as the founder and CEO of Kea Aerospace. Their family of four attended the afternoon tea together to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Christchurch Customs Officer Tony and his wife Pieta also attended with their parents. Tony is a regular visitor to the Water Drop Cafe and often shares his experience in making vegan mayonnaise. Pieta had been involved in the design of the South Island temple building more than 20 years ago. Enjoying afternoon tea inside a building she helped design made the occasion especially meaningful for the family.
Many regular guests shared that celebrating Mother’s Day at FGS had become a warm family tradition each year. Some guests even hoped to reserve seats early for next year’s event, looking forward to more wonderful surprises.
Under the leadership of Water Drop Cafe Manager CAO Qian, volunteers happily served the guests throughout the event. Although the day was busy, the volunteers said they did not feel tired because everyone worked with great care and joy. They shared that this effort was not only an expression of gratitude to mothers, but also a way to give back to the Christchurch community and offer blessings during the 60th anniversary of Fo Guang Shan.
The Water Drop Cafe team continues to uphold Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s People-Oriented Philosophy by promoting vegetarian culture within the Christchurch community, allowing more people to benefit from joy, kindness and meaningful connections.
During Mother’s Day, in addition to expressing gratitude to mothers, many also shared appreciation for the Venerables, who compassionately care for and guide the community like loving parents. Guests also expressed gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for bringing Humanistic Buddhism to the five continents and establishing Fo Guang Shan temples as a precious gift for the Christchurch community.
