SGI-New Zealand Holds Spring Meeting

SGI-New Zealand members welcome spring

SGI-New Zealand members met to celebrate spring at the SGI-New Zealand Culture Center. Some 5,000 members and their friends attended the event. In a message, SGI President Ikeda encouraged them to advance on good terms with one another for the sake of mutual happiness. He told them that within faith is found courage and boundless hope. The meeting included a history of SGI-New Zealand, personal experiences, a lecture on Nichiren's writings on the concept of "absolute happiness vs. relative happiness," as well as an introduction of the Earth Charter, a "people's treaty" that sets forth fundamental principles for sustainable development and conservation of the natural environment, which the SGI supports. A cultural show featured traditional dances and songs of the Maoris, the indigenous people of New Zealand, dances by the boys and girls and young women's divisions, and the women's chorus and brass band. Next year's theme was announced as taking courageous action based on one-on-one dialogue. SGI-New Zealand leader James Wallace appealed to the members to contribute to society, saying, "When we work for the happiness of others, we construct fortune in our own lives."

Glendowie College, New Zealand, Unveils Stone Plaque Inscribed with SGI President's Words - Sept 3

On September 3, Glendowie College, a secondary school in Auckland, New Zealand, unveiled a small plaque monument inscribed with excerpts from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's Discussion on Youth, Vol. 1:

Principal Moore and SGI-New Zealand representatives next to the two cherry trees and plaque monument

"Do not compare yourself to others. Be true to who you are and continue to learn with all your might. Even if you are ridiculed, even if you suffer disappointments and setbacks, continue to advance and do not be defeated. If you have such a strong determination in your heart, you are already halfway to victory."

College Principal Ms. Louise Moore said many students and teachers are inspired by Mr. Ikeda's words. [In November 2001, Glendowie College appointed Mr. Ikeda an "Honorary Teacher" in recognition of his contributions "to world peace and understanding for the benefit of all nations and people." The students planted two cherry trees to commemorate the occasion.]

Exhibit Introducing SGI Held in Dunedin, New Zealand - Sept 5

Exhibit at Dunedin Public Library

An exhibit introducing the peace efforts of the SGI and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda was held at the Dunedin Public Library, in Dunedin, New Zealand. The exhibit, which was requested and organized by the library staff, ran from August 5 through September 5. Along with photo panels, Mr. Ikeda's books, presented to the library, were displayed. More than 57,000 visited the exhibit.