Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand celebrated Lunar New Year’s Eve on 16 February 2026, welcoming over 5,000 people for a vibrant New Year countdown to greet the Year of the Horse. New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher LUXON came to celebrate with everyone, joined by Minister of Police and Minister for Ethnic Communities Hon Mark MITCHELL, List MP Nancy LU, Manukau East Neighbourhood Policing Team Sgt Richard BRACEY, Howick Local Board member Damian LIGHT and Associate Professor Zhibin XIE from Northwest University, extending New Year greetings to the people.
Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ presented the Prime Minister with a Spring Festival couplet in the calligraphy of the Founding Master of FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, reading Harmony & Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success, as well as an alms bowl symbolising a field of blessings. The Abbess wished the PM peace of mind amid his busy work, encouraging him to maintain inner ease and a joyful, harmonious spirit, and expressed hopes for national prosperity and public well-being.
Abbess led the public in a blessing ceremony, reciting the Venerable Master’s New Year’s Eve Prayer. Abbess encouraged everyone to take Harmony & Coexistence as the guiding principle and the Five Harmonies as the supporting framework, to practise kindness and to move together towards a better future.
Abbess Manshin and Prime Minister LUXON then distributed auspicious New Year red envelopes prepared by the Temple. The Prime Minister conveyed his sincere blessings to all present and spoke highly of Fo Guang Shan’s long-standing commitment to the community, praising the professionalism and selfless service demonstrated over many years. He commended Fo Guang Shan for bringing together people from diverse communities, and for injecting a warm, stable and positive force into New Zealand society. The Prime Minister emphasised that New Zealand is full of potential and hope, and that only by upholding the spirit of harmony and coexistence, alongside diligence and enterprise, can a more prosperous future be created for the next generation.
In their remarks, MP LU, Minister MITCHELL, Howick Local Board Member LIGHT and Associate Professor XIE also offered greetings and expressed gratitude to the Founding Master, the Temple and BLIA members, thanking them for sowing harmony in the community and reaping hope for the nation through service and responsibility.
Together with Prime Minister LUXON, the crowd counted down to welcome the Year of the Horse, rang the wishing bell, received new year red packets, offered auspicious incense and enjoyed the lion dance performance. Many attendees shared that returning to the Temple to celebrate the New Year had become a cherished tradition, a source of blessings, peace and belonging.
