Fo Guang Shan New Zealand’s 12th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing officially commenced on 28 April 2026 and successfully concluded on 22 May after a month of activities. Led by Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ, together with nearly 100 monastics and BLIA members from the Auckland and Christchurch Temples, as well as the New Zealand Police, the festival featured 29 educational sessions. Across Auckland and Christchurch, 20 primary and secondary schools took part, with more than 4,000 teachers and students participating enthusiastically. Since the festival was first held in 2014, 77 schools have visited the Temple, with nearly 45,000 visits by teachers, students and parents, to learn about the values of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings (3G4G).
Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher LUXON has highlighted the importance of the 3G4G education programme in several interviews, recognising the Temple’s work in sharing positive values through community service and education. He noted that the programme gives students meaningful opportunities to learn positive values and embrace different cultures, affirming Fo Guang Shan’s important role in New Zealand society.
Coinciding with the 60 Years of Passing the Lamp, Honouring a 100-Year Legacy Commemorative Exhibition, this year’s programme included a visit to the exhibition for teachers and students. Through stories about Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founding Master of FGS Buddhist Order, students gained a deeper understanding of his spirit and compassionate vows. Many were inspired by his teachings, learning to be the masters of their own lives, to see difficulties as nourishment for growth, and to benefit others with kindness and wisdom. The programme also included watching the video The Life of the Buddha, mindfulness meditation, experiencing incense offering, writing wish cards, singing the The Rythm of the World song 3G4G and We Got It, folding lotus origami and interacting with police officers. The Temple also prepared healthy and delicious Three Goodness Rice and presented students with 3G Bears as blessing gifts, sending them home filled with joy.
During the festival, a number of community leaders visited to show their care and support, including Takanini MP Rima NAKHLE, LIst MP Nancy LU, District Commander Superintendent Shanan GRAY of Counties Manukau, 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 and Adele WHITE, Times editor Chris HARROWELL, and principals from various schools. Some even assisted in cooking the Three Goodness Rice. School Community Officers Senior Constable Matt GREEN and Snr Cons Pauline ORPET, who have participated fully in the teaching programme over the years, were especially popular with the students.
Supt GRAY said it was an honour to take part in the education programme. He noted that over the years, many schools have visited Fo Guang Shan New Zealand and left with positive impressions of the Temple. He also highlighted the strong relationship between New Zealand Police and the Temple, recognising it as an important community partner in Counties Manukau East and thanking it for its continued positive contribution.
Teachers praised the programme for being well organised, engaging and meaningful, with activities that kept students involved throughout. Parents also commended the Temple team for their dedication and professionalism, noting that the programme helped students learn gratitude, kindness, respect, cultural understanding and the importance of life education. Many students shared that they were inspired to care for others, share joy and maintain a positive mindset, while the much-loved Three Goodness Rice, 3G Bear and lotus origami became some of their most memorable highlights.
Visitors from Taiwan’s Agricultural Technology Research Institute, including Team Leader Jingzhi CHEN, Senior Researcher Guoliang LUO and Associate Researcher Shuming ZHANG, also brought fresh Taiwanese mango pineapples to share with the students. The sweet fruit was warmly received and added another joyful moment to the festival.
As the event came to a successful close, the kindness and positive values of 3G4G will continue to extend into schools, families and communities. Through fun and meaningful learning experiences, students were encouraged to bring gratitude, joy, care and positive thinking into daily life. The 3G4G values advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun will continue to take root in New Zealand society, spreading goodness and kindness through education.
