On 26th September 2024, at the invitation of Inspector Rodney Honan, Area Commander of Counties Manukau East Police Station, the Most Venerable Hsin Bau, Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, visited the Manukau East Police Headquarters. He was accompanied by Chief Abbess Manko of FGS Oceania, Abbess Manshin of FGS New Zealand, President Venerable Manyi of the FGS Benefactor Association, Venerable Juechun and President Yulin KU of the BLIA North Island Chapter. They were warmly welcomed by Inspector Honan, Inspector Cook and Senior Sergeant Anson LIN, alongside other officers.
Upon entering the station, the guests were greeted by a display of flower arrangements, created by the FGS Auckland team weekly. Inspector Honan expressed his gratitude for these thoughtful and fresh arrangements, noting that they bring comfort to the public visiting the station and offer a moment of tranquillity for officers in what can often be a challenging environment.
Inspector Honan then introduced the visitors to the station’s Chan garden, created as a sanctuary for police officers. Abbess Manshin and her team have carefully designed this peaceful area, where officers can come to relax and reset. Lighting the stone lanterns gifted by the Temple has become a meaningful ritual, providing officers with warmth and a sense of renewal during difficult times.
SSgt Anson LIN led the guests through various areas of the police station. In the Community Policing Office, a wall showcased photos from the Temple’s 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing, featuring police officers engaging with students in educational activities. Proudly displayed alongside were certificates of appreciation awarded by the Temple, serving as a reminder of the officers’ dedication to community service.
The Most Venerable Hsin Bau presented each member of the police staff with an auspicious charm, offering blessings for safety and peace in their work. This visit highlighted the strong bonds between the Temple and the New Zealand Police—a testament to the power of community collaboration.
Later that afternoon, the group visited the café owned by BLIA North Island committee member Ken SHI, where they toured his coffee roasting facility. Ken shared his passion for crafting unique coffee blends from beans sourced worldwide, which have gained a strong reputation and are served at FGS Water Drop Cafés in Auckland and Christchurch. During their visit, a group of motorcyclists happened to stop by the café. At the group leader’s request, the Most Venerable Hsin Bau offered blessings and gifted auspicious charms to the riders, who expressed great joy and interest in visiting the Temple in the future.