On 25th September 2024, a delegation from the New Zealand Police, including Inspector Wendy Spiller, Director of the 2023 International Women in Policing Conference, Senior Sergeant Anson Lin, Sergeant Kevin Deng, Sergeant Richard Bracey and other representatives, visited Fo Guang Shan Auckland to meet the Most Venerable Hsin Bau, Head Abbot of the FGS Buddhist Order. They were warmly welcomed by Chief Abbess Manko of FGS Oceania, Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ, Venerable Rulian, Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland and members of the BLIA, including President Yulin KU and Advisor Sally WONG.
The police officers reflected on the longstanding collaboration between the New Zealand Police and Fo Guang Shan. Inspector Wendy Spiller shared a memorable experience during the COVID-19 lockdown when Abbess Manshin swiftly coordinated with BLIA Headquarters and received support from Venerable Juepei, securing 15,000 rapid test kits from the FGS Temple. “In just four days, police officers worked with BLIA members to deliver these essential supplies to 97 local schools, providing critical support to students and staff during a time of urgent need,” she recalled.
Sergeant Kevin Deng reflected on his first encounter with the Abbess in 2010 at the Royal New Zealand Police College, where he was surprised to meet a Buddhist nun appointed as a patron for his 261 Wing. “I often felt the pressure and fatigue of dealing with challenging issues. The Temple has always been there, offering a sense of spiritual clarity just when I needed it most,” he explained, adding that the Temple and Abbess have been “friends without being asked” for both the police and the community, providing ongoing support and spiritual nourishment.
SSgt Anson LIN, who was also part of the 261 Wing, recalled that the Abbess would often ask, “How can the Temple support the community further?” Acknowledging that people often come to police stations with negative energy or in difficult circumstances, he shared that the Temple has uplifted officers by providing a source of spiritual strength, enabling them to serve the public with greater peace and harmony.
Sergeant Richard Bracey and Snr Const Mathew Green, noted that “Fo Guang Shan has always kept its doors open to the police and the wider community, offering a vital spiritual recharge station when we need it most.” They expressed their gratitude for the Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, for creating a sanctuary for the community’s wellbeing.
The Most Venerable Hsin Bau shared his appreciation for the work of police officers, comparing their role to that of compassionate guardians, similar to Bodhisattvas or angels in Western culture. He emphasised that police assistance is invaluable in community outreach and public education initiatives. The harmony achieved through collaboration between the police and the Temple is a blessing for all. “At Fo Guang Shan, we promote the ‘Three Acts of Goodness & Four Givings’—when everyone does good, society benefits. With more kindness, police work becomes easier.”
To express his gratitude for the long-standing support of these guardians of the community, the Most Venerable presented the officers with apples and auspicious charms, wishing them peace and joy in every moment.