Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 29, 2023

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple NZ has a long-term partnership with the New Zealand Police Department, collaborating on the "3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing." The newly appointed Inspector Rodney Honan of the Manukau East showed great interest in this collaboration. On May 24th, Inspector Rodney Honan, accompanied by Senior Sergeant Anson Lin, visited the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand, and Venerable Manshin, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple NZ, led the Inspector to understand the event.

Ormiston Primary School, the largest primary school in New Zealand, falls within Inspector Rodney Honan's jurisdiction. This year, a total of 857 teachers and students from Ormiston Primary School participated in the "3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing." Inspector Rodney Honan stated that he was deeply impressed by witnessing the temple practically transforming into a school.

The "3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing" event was launched in 2014, and since its inception, Ormiston Primary School has never missed the event.  Principal Heath McNeil assigned two deputy principals to accompany the students in participating this year. Deputy Principal Cheryl praised the smooth planning of the event and the enthusiastic Fo Guang members who helped the students learn to be considerate individuals. Another deputy principal, Fran Mes, mentioned the beautiful and peaceful environment of the temple, where students can better comprehend the values of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings, leading them to a deeper understanding of life's principles.

Students offered the light and prayed for blessings. photo／Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple NZ

Teachers Kennedy and Marie from Ormiston Primary School expressed that this event promotes community interaction and communication, while the spirit of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings fosters harmonious relationships among people. Students' parents Cheryl and Lima praised the diversified activities prepared by Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple NZ that allowed students to experience the values of different cultures.

Ormiston Primary School students, Devin and Elza, expressed their wishes to become wise, kind, and internally enriched individuals, promising to be kind to others at all times. Participants in the event expressed gratitude to the temple for promoting harmony between the police and the community and spreading the values of social harmony.

Students happily interacted with the police officers. photo／Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple NZ