On 18th April 2026, the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration, themed Passing the Lamp of 60 Years, Honouring a 100-Year Legacy, was held by BLIA South Island NZ. FGS NZ Abbess Manshin led the congregation in chanting the Heart Sutra and reciting A Prayer for World Peace written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order.
More than 100 guests attended the ceremony, including Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch Madam HE Ying, MP for Wigram Hon Dr Megan Woods, Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill, Human Rights Commissioner for Race Relations Dr Melissa Derby, Riccarton Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt, Christian representative The Reverend Megan Herles-Mooar, Methodist representative Reverend Philomeno Kinera, Hindu representative Dr Surinder Tandon, BLIA South Island President James LOW, Elder Advisor Bernie SIEW, BLIA North Island Chief Advisor Lintao YU and members of the community.
Abbess Manshin shared that the current global situation remained unstable and many people felt uncertain and uneasy. Through the Buddha’s compassion and blessings, everyone gathered sincerely to pray for world peace and social harmony. Abbess emphasised that all beings were equal and that society should value humanity and harmony, reflecting Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching of Harmony and Co-existence, Equality and Peace. Abbess also encouraged everyone to practise the Three Acts of Goodness, Four Givings, and Five Harmonies. Abbess quoting the Founder’s words to offer blessings to everyone present: With a compassionate vow to liberate all beings, My life is a boat untethered in the sea of Dharma. If you ask what I seek in my life, May peace and happiness shine upon the five continents.
BLIA South Island President James LOW expressed deep gratitude to Venerable Master for promoting Humanistic Buddhism around the world, allowing people in New Zealand, at the southernmost part of the globe, to benefit from the Buddha’s teachings. He shared that practising the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings could help people overcome conflict and suffering through compassion and wisdom. He also reflected on attending the Oceania Enshrinement Ceremony for the sacred relics of Venerable Master at Nan Tien Temple Australia, as he was deeply moved and encouraged BLIA members to continue spreading the warmth and hope throughout New Zealand.
Consul-General HE Ying said that Venerable Master had dedicated his life to promoting traditional Chinese culture and had made outstanding contributions to world peace, charity work, and the practice of Humanistic Buddhism. She noted that the Buddha’s Birthday celebration and the opening of the memorial exhibition for the Master’s 100th memorial birthday carried special meaning, representing both remembrance of the Master’s spirit and people’s hopes for a peaceful world.
Human Rights Commissioner Dr Melissa Derby said that the prayer service promoted community harmony and world peace, which closely aligned with her work and mission. She encouraged all sectors of society to strengthen social cohesion and to treat differing opinions with calmness and respect. She thanked the organisers for bringing the community together and helping build a society based on shared values and belonging.
Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt offered a traditional Māori blessing and shared that peace was not something distant, but something that began within each person. The unity and compassion shown by the people of Christchurch during earthquakes and times of hardship were real examples of peace in action. Remembering Venerable Master’s spirit of harmonious coexistence, he encouraged everyone with the message: Good thoughts create harmony, good words create warmth, and good deeds create peace. He urged people to cultivate empathy and work together towards world peace.
The ceremony concluded with the BLIA Young Adult Division presenting the song I Have Faith, expressing the strength of faith and hope.
In addition to the prayer service, the temple also held a Baby Blessing Ceremony and a Little Prince Family Fun Day Carnival, featuring a local market, vegetarian food fair, cultural performances, lucky draws and art exhibitions. Nearly 500 people attended the celebrations throughout the day. The temple also presented each visitor an apple as a blessing for peace, safety and happiness.
