Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer

April 11, 2023

The 2023 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards was held with grandeur on 30th March at Cordis Hotel. Nearly 800 elites from all walks of life attended, and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins presented the awards to the winners of each category.

The Awards presented on the day included Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year, Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year, Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year, MFE New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year, Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year and Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year.

Abbess Manshin was elected as Top 10 of 2023 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year. photo／Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand

Venerable Abbess Manshin of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand, was selected as one of the 100 local heroes in New Zealand in 2023 from hundreds of candidates. After strict selection by the organizer, Abbess Manshin was promoted to the top 10 local heroes in New Zealand.

Abbess Manshin was elected as Top 10 of 2023 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year. photo／Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand

Gu Yuling, President of New Zealand North Island Association of Buddha's Light International Association, Vice President Yang Longqian, Vice President Rong Zhennan, Police Officer Mike, Director Anson Lin and Branch President and other 10 BLIA cadre representatives attended the award ceremony, becoming the only Asian and religious group on the scene.

Gu Yuling, President of New Zealand North Island Association of Buddha's Light International Association, Vice President Yang Longqian, Vice President Rong Zhennan, Police Officer Mike, Director Anson Lin and Branch President and other 10 BLIA cadre representatives attended the award ceremony, becoming the only Asian and religious group on the scene. photo／Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand

The organizer stated that Venerable Abbess Manshin is a practitioner of social harmony and embodies Humanistic Buddhism in life, spending the past 30 years inspiring others to live with kindness and generosity through her community leadership. Abbess Manshin selected as one of the Top 10 in local hero category in New Zealand is well-deserved.

The organizer stated that Venerable  Abbess Manshin is a practitioner of social harmony and embodies humanistic Buddhism in life. photo／Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand