SGI-New Zealand Hold Youth Conference and Prayer Meetings - Nov 30-Dec 1

SGI-New Zealand and visiting SGI-Australia youth take commemorative photo

On November 30 and December 1, SGI-New Zealand hosted a youth conference at an art center in Christchurch, New Zealand. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a congratulatory message, in which he encouraged the members to lead victorious lives. SGI-New Zealand Youth Division Chief Richard Tam reported on attending an SGI training course in November in Japan. Members shared experiences of applying the humanistic philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism in their daily lives and discussed the importance of respecting and cherishing each person, based on having the compassionate "heart of a lion king." SGI-Australian members including Young Women's Division Chief Rachel Masako Koo also attended. SGI General Director Eiichi Wada, participated via telephone conference, and addressed questions on how to give hope to others and overcome one's own weaknesses and limitations. SGI-New Zealand General Director Games Wallace also spoke.

Indigenous tribal percussion performance in New Zealand

On December 1, SGI-New Zealand hosted prayer meetings in several cities throughout the country, including the SGI-New Zealand South Island Activity Center in Christchurch and the SGI-New Zealand Culture Center in Auckland.

Gandhi, King, Ikeda Exhibition Opens in Christchurch, New Zealand - Dec 8

Visitors at the exhibit in Christchurch

The "Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace" exhibition opened on December 8 at Canterbury Public Library in Christchurch, New Zealand. This is the third venue in New Zealand for the exhibition. Sponsored by SGI-New Zealand, the show introduces the human rights and peace activism of three 20th century leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Daisaku Ikeda, and displays valuable historical photographs and documents that chronicle the extensive lifework of the three peace leaders. The exhibition also presents the ideals they followed--the way of mentor and disciple, humanism, self-motivated altruism, the spirit of nonviolence, and an unflinching stance against persecution and oppression.

The song and dance of the Maoris, New Zealand's indigenous people, were presented, and Maori leader Riki Pitama gave greetings. Dr. Lawrence E. Carter Sr., dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia, that initiated the exhibitions, sent a message that was read at the Christchurch opening. New Zealand Parliament member Tim Barnett stated that the significance of the undertakings of the three peace leaders would be difficult to express in words. Parliament member Rod Donald appealed to the audience to place themselves in the shoes of these three peace activists and consider what they might do, when taking action for peace. A local TV station, CTV, and local newspapers covered the exhibit, as well as introduced the SGI and its peace movement.