On 13rd December 2025, the BLIA South Island Chapter held the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Winter Solstice Gathering. The meeting was chaired by Chapter President James LOW, with FGS NZ Abbess Manshin, Minister in-charge of FGS Christchurch Venerable Juexi, Elder Advisor Bernie SIEW, Vice Presidents ZHANG Dong and CAO Qian and nearly 40 BLIA members in attendance.
President James LOW thanked members for their year-long support, noting that the Temple’s guidance and the committee’s teamwork made the year joyful and fruitful.
Subchapter 1 President Tiffany SU, Subchapter 2 President He Fei and Subchapter 3 President Peiyi KEOW reported on their activities, including Buddha’s Birthday , the Chocolatte Festival, study groups, tea meditation, talks, VegRun, the 366 Book Gifting Project and the Laba Congee event Friendship Service Team Leader Louisa KUO also shared that BLIA volunteers have delivered Red Cross meals to local seniors for nearly 30 years, rain or shine.
Six new members were introduced and new subchapter leaders were announced: Subchapter 1 President Xiaoyun CHEN with Vice President Lynn DUANMU and Subchapter 3 President Deirdre Johns. Abbess Manshin presented awards for outstanding Buddhist Examination results, issued an Elder Advisor certificate to Bernie SIEW and presented the Chapter’s Cultural Promotion Award. The Abbess also gifted sets of The Transmission of Humanistic Buddhism of Venerable Master Hsing Yun to Elder Advisor SIEW, President LOW, and Subchapter Elder Advisor KUO. BLIA YAD and BLIA members performed a dance, adding warmth to the event.
Abbess Manshin praised BLIA members for their sincere service, embodying the Humanistic Buddhism spirit of “giving” and “being busy is nutritious.” which is the best way to honour Venerable Master Hsing Yun. She encouraged everyone to act swiftly on what is right, follow the Temple’s guidance, and stay proactive. The Abbess also introduced the specially designed “Three Acts of Goodness Bear,”created to promote the values of Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts.
Abbess Manshin gifted blessing cords to all members. The Chapter also prepared Venerable Juepei’s new book In Gratitude: The Compassion and Vows of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, along with the BLIA Report and the 2026 calendar.
