Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland held its 2026 Temple Open Day on 30 August, bringing together 23 Auckland vintage car clubs and 187 classic vehicles representing 17 brands to raise funds for the Cancer Society of New Zealand. The event also featured Art Salon live demo and workshops, Temple tours, Tea Meditation and vegetarian food stalls, attracting nearly 1,300 members of the community and bringing the spirit of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings into the wider community.
The oldest vehicle on display dated back to 1906. Alongside the car show and fundraising activities, seven artists took part in live demonstrations and sharing sessions as part of the Art Salon. Vintage car owners joined guided Temple tours, visited the Art Salon, and experienced Tea Meditation, enjoying moments of calm and peace through art and mindful practice. Vegetarian food stalls also offered another opportunity to connect with the community.
Abbess Manshin of the FGS NZ presented vintage car owners with keyrings featuring Fo Guang Shan Founding Master Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Year of the Horse blessing, Harmony and Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success. Abbess thanked everyone for their participation and encouraged the community to practise kindness and broaden their hearts, saying that harmony and coexistence are essential to promoting world peace.
List Member Nancy LU thanked Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple and everyone who supported the charitable event, saying every additional person who participates adds another source of strength.
Karen Smiley, coordinator of the vintage car clubs’ Daffodil Day event, expressed her appreciation to Abbess Manshin and the Fo Guang youth for their strong support. She said she was deeply moved by the generosity of BLIA members in raising funds and caring for the community.
Auckland Veteran & Vintage Car Club President Sharaan Price and Secretary Jodi Tomlin noted that this was the third year the vintage car event had been held at the Temple. They shared that the event had continued to grow in scale and organisation each year, and expressed their appreciation for the Temple’s support and the positive response from participants.
Ford New Zealand Managing Director Annaliese and Marketing Manager Matt also attended in support of the event. South Auckland Motors shared that they were pleased to contribute to the charitable initiative, bringing the community together through the car show while supporting the Cancer Society of New Zealand and its work in cancer care.
