On 3 June 2024, the day when New Zealand celebrated the King’s birthday, Venerable Manshin, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan, was awarded the 2024 New Zealand Order of Merit. This year, a total of 176 New Zealanders from various fields were honoured for their outstanding service to the country and community. Abbess Manshin is the first Bhikkhunī to have been appointed as a Member of New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in New Zealand, for her long-term commitment to school education, community safety, spiritual purification and community services.
New Zealand follows the long tradition of the United Kingdom and celebrates the birthday of the British Monarch on the first Monday of June every year. On the same day, it announces the annual recipients of the Order of Merit under The New Zealand Honours System. The Order was created by Queen Elizabeth II on 30 May 1996 and the New Zealand Order of Merit ranks second in the honours system. The Honours list is administered by the Honours Unit under the Cabinet Office and approved by the reigning Monarch on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The purpose is to recognise those who have served and achieved in the community and nation.
The New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, wrote to congratulate Abbess Manshin on receiving the New Zealand Order of Merit, stating that the honour is an affirmation of Abbess’s contribution and influence in the community combined with the support and recognition of the team at Fo Guang Shan. The Prime Minister thanked the Abbess for her service to New Zealand and congratulated her on behalf of the government and all New Zealanders.
Abbess expressed her gratitude to New Zealand for recognising the work of Fo Guang Shan in the community. She stated that the honours should belong to the Founder of FGS Order, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The Founder’s life’s work involved advocating world peace and coexistence, developing friendly relations among nations, and establishing international peace and relations as common goals. The Abbess emphasised the New Zealand Order of Merit is not an individual achievement, but one through the collective work of the Fo Guang members, the strength of which has enabled the accomplishment of many tasks.
The BLIA North & South Island members are grateful and proud of Abbess Manshin for her hard work in New Zealand. The President of BLIA North Island Evelyn KU, thanked the Abbess for planting good seeds in New Zealanders. Deputy President Larry YANG is honoured to have met such a life mentor who has been by our side to lead everyone to serve the community and make the world a better place. Advisor of BLIA Subchapter 1 Meggan LAM expressed her appreciation for the efforts in the four major areas of education, culture, arts and charity under the leadership of the Abbess, which contribute to creating a harmonious society.
Eminent figures from both the local community and international circles, including Australia, Taiwan, Europe and the USA, have sent messages of congratulations to Abbess Manshin on receiving her award. Senior Scientist Dr Amanda Dixon-McIver congratulated the Abbess on behalf of her family for her well-deserved honour. She stated that the world would be a better place if every New Zealander would constantly think about and contribute to the community like the Abbess. Former Detective Superintendent Virginia Le Bas stated that the recognition of the Abbess’ leadership and commitment to people have made a difference in people’s lives. New Zealand Immigration Compliance also took the opportunity to thank the Abbess for her input, guidance and wisdom. This honour is an affirmation of the Abbess’ leadership and service to the community. List MP Nancy LU and Howick Local Board Chairperson Damian Light and President of Guang Dong Banghu Business Association NZ Rex YOUNG also sent congratulatory messages to acknowledge Abbess’s services.
Ms Lingling LIANG, Community Liaison Officer of Hato Hone St John Emergency Centre, thanked Fo Guang Shan for its continuous service in creating a safe community over the past twenty years, which has had a massive impact on the community. She will continue to support the work of Fo Guang Shan. Manukau East Police Officers, Senior Sergeant Anson LIN, Sergeant Richard Bracey and artists of the Art Salon including Niels Nielsen, Siew Tan, Luis Casares, Leonore Ashby and her husband Errol Ashby, visited the Temple in person to express their appreciation and pride for the humble and well respected Abbess Manshin, a spiritual leader, whose work has been recognised nationally.
News Report:
Times Online
https://www.times.co.nz/art-entertainment/abbess-manshin-recognised-in-kings-birthday-honours-list/
Radio New Zealand