Fo Guang Shan New Zealand
December 22, 2023

The Buddha’s Light International Association’s (BLIA) North and South Island Chapter responded to the Global VEGRUN Campaign initiative promoted by the BLIA Headquarters. The VEGRUN program aims to encourage nationwide participation in Earth care.  In 2023, the Temple collaborated with local schools, promising that for every 10 km run by participating students, BLIA NZ would donate a tree to support New Zealand’s tree planting project. Along with BLIA members and community participants, nearly 1700 students from various schools participated, resulting in the donation of a total of 700 trees.

Flowers offering at the Buddha Hall. photo／FGS NZ

On 12th December, the Chief Executive Ms Robyn Haugh of Trees That Count, a national tree-planting project in New Zealand, visited Fo Guang Shan Christchurch from Wellington. During the visit, Abbess Manshin presented CEO Haugh with a donation of 200 trees from the BLIA South Island. The presentation was witnessed by the Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch Venerable Juexi, the Advisor Louise Kuo of the BLIA South Island Chapter, Subchapter 1 President Cao QIAN, Director Kokwei LOW and other BLIA committees. Since 2018, BLIA NZ has been participating in municipal tree-planting events in the suburbs yearly. CEO Haugh expressed gratitude for BLIA’s commitment to protecting the Earth through these practical actions.

Abbess Manshin leadsMs Robyn Haugh on a Temple Tour. photo／FGS NZ

Abbess led the CEO on a Temple Tour, offering flowers at the Buddha Hall and shared various annual activities including the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing and the Blessing Chocolatte Food Festival. These events highlight the spread of joy and positivity among the community in New Zealand. CEO Haugh has a deep affinity for New Zealand’s native forests, shared the vision of Trees That Count and mentioned the ongoing national goal of planting two billion trees. She also invited the BLIA NZ community to join this inspiring environmental protection activity.

CEO Haugh shares the vision of Trees That Count. photo／FGS NZ

On behalf of the Temple, Abbess Manshin presented Haugh with the book 366 Days with Wisdom by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founding Master of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, along with a 2023 BLIA NZ Activity Report. Haugh expressed that she was moved by the actions of the Temple team, particularly appreciating the Temple’s engagement and service provided to the local community. She gained much from the visit and would love to bring her team for a future visit.