On 7th February 2026, FGS Buddhist Temple Auckland held its annual Reunion Dinner. Led by Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ, the event welcomed distinguished guests including MP for Takanini Rima NAKHLE, Director General Kendra CHEN of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Auckland, List MP Nancy LU, Shift Commander Inspector Anson LIN of Northern Communication Center, Howick Local Board member Damian LIGHT & Adele WHITE, Associate Professor Zhubin XIE from Northwest University China and doctoral student Xinyu ZHAI. They joined more than a hundred BLIA members, including President Evelyn KU of the BLIA North Island Chapter, Chief Advisor Lintao YU and advisor Sally WONG, for a warm reunion dinner.
Abbess Manshin led the prayers for the audience and recited Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for Society. The Abbess expressed gratitude for the support of the wider community and encouraged everyone with the Venerable Master’s Year of the Horse message, Harmony & Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success, noting that the Venerable Master advocated the spirit of the Five Harmonies, encouraged people to contribute strength to the nation, society and families in a world of mutual coexistence and shared prosperity. The Abbess further appreciated the kitchen team, volunteers and the youths for their collective effort and taking responsibility, ensuring the event ran smoothly.
MP NAKHLE extended New Year greetings and was honoured to return to the Temple. She noted that Fo Guang Shan purifies hearts, inspires warmth, and brings harmonious energy to local communities, making it a source of pride for New Zealanders. She praised the Temple team as a gentle, pleasant summer breeze that brings people balance and calm.
Director General CHEN shared that visiting Fo Guang Shan has become one of her most important annual traditions. She noted that the Temple has long served society through diverse programs in education, culture, charity and the arts, with an expanding impact. Under the leadership of the monastic, the Temple has received national and international recognition, which is a source of pride.
List MP LU shared that she learned the attitude of humility at the Temple, like the qualities of a horse: patient under hardship, gentle, and strong. Each year, she hangs up the Venerable Master’s calligraphy at her front door to remind herself to serve the public with sincerity.
Inspector LIN spoke on behalf of the police, thanking the Temple for its long-standing support and care for the New Zealand Police. He said the Temple not only helps people settle their minds but also provides renewed strength for the road ahead, strengthening unity and collaboration across society.
Associate Professor XIE expressed gratitude to Venerable Master for bringing the Fo Guang Shan to New Zealand and serving the community through compassionate vows. He was impressed by the long-standing collaboration among the monastics, devotees, volunteers, the youth group, government agencies, the police, schools, Māori communities and artists, whose shared efforts have helped make the Temple a spiritual harbour.
The Abbess also led the team in offering New Year greetings to the Head Abbot of the FGS Buddhist Order, the Most Venerable Hsin Bau, the elders and everyone across the monastery. The BLIA YAD presented a dance performance and led everyone in singing the song Faith. The Temple presented attendees with auspicious Lunar New Year red packets, wishing everyone a peaceful and joyful new year.
