On 12th to 13th April, BLIA members from both the North and South Island Chapters of New Zealand gathered at Fo Guang Shan Christchurch for the 2025 BLIA NZ North and South Island Chapters Joint Conference. The meeting was held under the guidance of FGS NZ Abbess Manshin and was joined by Venerable Juexi, Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch. Venerable Rulian, Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland. President James LOW of the BLIA South Island, President Evelyn KU of the BLIA North Island and 50 committee members in attendance.
The two-day programme included participation in the Buddha’s Birthday Festival, a fellowship dinner, proposal discussions and keynote talks to reinforce shared values among BLIA members.
On 13th April, the Joint Conference and a keynote session titled How I Practise Humanistic Buddhism took place. Several important proposals were discussed during the meeting, including: 1. Preparations for the 11th 3G4G Festival of Culture Sharing 2. Support of the BLIA World Headquarters T-Earth Project and VEG Run event in collaboration with local schools. 3. The meeting also focused on continuing the ‘366 Days with Wisdom’ Book Campaign to hotels across New Zealand. 4. Organising the Annual Ullambana Dharma Service and Sangha Day, and 5. Participating in the upcoming World BLIA General Conference in October.
The keynote session featured seven BLIA members who shared how they had integrated Buddhist values into their daily lives. Mr Bernie SIEW, former South Island Chapter President and agricultural entrepreneur, explained how he applied the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings throughout the potato farming process—from harvesting and quality control to supermarket distribution. He described Venerable Master Hsing Yun as the most outstanding “farmer,” who had sown countless seeds of goodness around the world and benefited humanity.
Mr Ola Lyckholm, a South Island committee member and Ms Deirdre Johns, an engineering trainer, shared how practising Humanistic Buddhism over the past three years had gradually transformed their lives in subtle yet meaningful ways. The session also included heartfelt sharing from the Four Princes of Auckland. They are Thomas, Edwin, Shuxuan and Alan who reflected on their growth journey through the temple and expressed gratitude to Abbess Manshin for her compassionate guidance. Their stories, filled with sincerity, humour, challenges and emotion, moved many to tears.
President LOW of BLIA South Island thanked all members who had contributed to making the Buddha’s Birthday Festival a success. He especially appreciated Abbess and the North Island team for their support of the event. President KU of BLIA North Island, also thanked the Abbess for her guidance and the South Island team for their warm welcome. She said the gathering helped strengthen the bond between members.
Abbess Manshin encouraged everyone to keep up with the team’s path and pace. Abbess reminded attendees that to practise Buddhism is to manage one’s emotions in daily life and to transform challenges into motivation for personal and spiritual growth. As long as you remain connected to the Team, your affinity will always be there, the Abbess said.
The two-day Joint Conference ended with a joyful and inspiring atmosphere. The sincere sharing and support among BLIA members strengthened the foundation and development for BLIA New Zealand’s future, bringing new motivation and clear direction for the work ahead.