Fo Guang Shan New Zealand
December 6, 2023

The leader of the National Party Christopher Luxon MP won the national elections over the Labour Party on 14 October 2023, becoming the new Prime Minister in New Zealand. On 24 November 2023, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon officially announced the formation of a coalition government with ACT and New Zealand First to lead the country forward.

Born in Christchurch, Luxon returned to New Zealand from Canada in 2012 to become the CEO of Air New Zealand. Under his leadership, Air New Zealand turned losses into profits and became one of the world’s leading airlines. Luxon joined the National Party in 2019, winning the parliamentary seat for the Botany area in Auckland the following year and became the leader of New Zealand’s largest opposition party, the National Party in 2021. The new government will serve all New Zealanders and focus on rebuilding the economy, reducing tax burdens, restoring law and order and providing better healthcare and education, he said in his speech, thanking his family and the public for their support.

Luxon first visited Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland in November 2019. Since then, he has made special trips to the Temple for various events. photo／FGS NZ

Luxon first visited Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland in November 2019. Since then, he has made special trips to the Temple for various events such as the Lunar New Year, reunion dinner, the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration and the Annual Art Salon Exhibition bringing blessings to the public. In February 2023, following the passing of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order, Luxon specially recorded a video to express his gratitude to Venerable Master for having the FGS Temples to provide valuable services to New Zealanders.

Luxon first visited Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland. photo／FGS NZ

Luxon is a good friend of Fo Guang Shan NZ, often quoting Venerable Master’s concepts of Three Acts of Goodness, Four Givings, Never Go Back on Our Promises and Half & Half, which have profoundly impacted the community. He has repeatedly cherished the collaboration between FGS NZ, the local schools and the community. During the Lunar New Year’s Eve in 2023, Luxon specially made a trip to FGS Temple Auckland to wish the BLIA members around the world through TV a Happy Chinese New Year, stating The Venerable Master’s teachings instill hope in people’s hearts. I am grateful to Abbess Manshin and her team for their quality service that brings joy and peace to the community.

Luxon is a good friend of Fo Guang Shan NZ, often quoting Venerable Master’s concepts. photo／FGS NZ

At this significant moment, the Temple and BLIA NZ extend the blessings to the new Prime Minister, leading the country into a new stage of prosperity and stability.