In recognition of the years of dedicated service and contributions by Fo Guang Shan New Zealand and Abbess Manshin to the local community, a long-awaited traditional Māori Pōwhiri welcome ceremony—anticipated by Māori elders for over two decades—was held on 3rd November 2025 at the O Wairoa Marae in East Auckland. Representing the Temple, Abbess Manshin formally received the welcome. This Pōwhiri marks a significant and formal gesture of acceptance and affirmation from the Māori community toward an immigrant organisation.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Superintendent Scott Gemmell, Director of Partnerships for Tāmaki Makaurau; Area Commander Inspector Rodney Honan of Counties Manukau East; Shift Commander Inspector Anson LIN of Northern Communication Center; Howick Ward Councillor Bo Burns; Howick Local Board members Damian Light, Adele White and John Spiller; Principal Heath McNeil of Ormiston Primary School; former Police Inspector Wendy Spiller; Chief Advisor Lintao YU of the BLIA North Island Chapter; along with over 30 BLIA and community members who witnessed this historic intercultural and interfaith exchange.
The ceremony was personally led by Māori elders John Dobson and Taini Drummond, expressing the deep respect and longstanding friendship the Māori community holds for Fo Guang Shan over the past 20 years. It symbolised the meeting and mutual trust between the spiritual values of indigenous Māori culture and the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism. During the ceremony, Abbess Manshin respectfully greeted the elders in Māori and recited the prayer by the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, offering blessings for the courage to face challenges, patience through adversity and diligence in taking responsibility. The prayer also encouraged gratitude for causes and conditions, joyful giving and the cultivation of compassion and kindness.
Ani Makea, the Auckland City Council’s Māori Marae advisor, opened the ceremony with a traditional karanga—a call to welcome—inviting guests into the spiritual space of the tribe and ancestors. Elder John Dobson addressed guests, guardians of the land, the Creator, ancestors and the Māori Queen, affirming that the enduring care and promotion of culture and education by Fo Guang Shan closely aligns with the values of Māori spirituality. He expressed hope to further deepen cultural ties through continued mutual respect, sharing and wisdom.
Representing Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, Chief Advisor YU presented a calligraphy of the Heart Sutra written by the Founding Master. He remarked that Abbess Manshin often reminds the FoGuang community that migration to New Zealand is not only about enjoying what exists, but also about serving the local society. He recalled a Māori elder once thanking Abbess during a visit to the Temple, saying: “You’ve taken such good care of our land,” reflecting the profound love and guardianship Māori hold for their environment. “Today’s Pōwhiri is not only a gesture of respect but a renewed commitment to a shared vision, following Venerable Master’s 3 Acts of Goodness and 4 Givings to protect this land and foster a harmonious, compassionate community together.”
Senior Constable Shane Dunn, the Iwi Liaison Officer, paid tribute to the elders on behalf of Fo Guang Shan, emphasising the importance of the relationship among the Temple, the community and the Māori people. “Today we acknowledge and bless each other. We are building deeper friendships that belong to this land and its people.”
The ceremony concluded with the traditional hongi, the touching of noses, symbolising mutual respect and goodwill. A traditional Māori feast was hosted, signifying the strengthening of bonds and cultural unity. Elder Dobson led guests on a tour of the Marae, sharing stories of tribal history and heritage. Elder Taini Drummond also brought out a treasured artifact from their museum, a Buddha’s Footprint gifted by Fo Guang Shan 20 years ago. She remarked that this welcome ceremony is an experience of mutual witnessing, mutual respect and mutual achievement, infusing this multicultural land of Aotearoa New Zealand with more warmth, compassion and hope.