Chinese Association of New Zealand President Speaks at SGI-New Zealand Culture Center - Nov 2

Mr. Steven Wong

On November 2, some 300 SGI-New Zealand members gathered at the SGI-New Zealand Culture Center in Auckland, New Zealand. The Chinese Association of New Zealand President Steven Wong attended as a guest and spoke. Recalling his recent visit to Soka University in Japan and exchanges with the students, Mr. Wong stated that he had deeper understanding of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's contributions to Sino-Japan friendship.

SGI-New Zealand members meet in Auckland

At the meeting, a young women division member shared her experience of overcoming her serious injury, based on her practice of Nichiren Buddhism. The SGI-New Zealand music band "Victorious March" and boys and girls division representatives presented music, guitar and dances.

SGI-New Zealand Presents Books to Community Library on South Island - Nov 14

SGI-New Zealand presents books to community library in the Twizel area on South Island

On November 14, SGI-New Zealand presented books to a community library in the Twizel area on South Island. The library is widely used by elementary through senior high school students of the Twizel Area School. Vice Principal Glenda Galambos and faculty and student representatives attended the presentation. Ms. Galambos thanked SGI-New Zealand for the books, saying the mission of education to promote nonviolence and eliminate the root causes of bullying and prejudice is more important than ever in our present age. She said the books would support this important mission of education. During the presentation, a screening of the "Gandhi King Ikeda" exhibition was held. Ms. Galambos expressed concurrence with the concrete peace activism advanced by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, and the faculty hoped to use the GKI video as an educational tool in the classroom to tech peace and human rights principles.

SGI New Zealand Celebrate November 18, Soka Gakkai Founding Day - Nov 16

SGI-New Zealand members take commemorative photo

In New Zealand, SGI members gathered in their respective areas, bathed in warm spring sunshine. On November 16, in Rotorua, which has proclaimed November 18 as "SGI World Peace Day," SGI-New Zealand cosponsored with the city a commemorative gathering at the Ikeda-Hall Peace Garden. Rotorua Mayor Grahame W. Hall introduced the positive feedback received regarding the SGI's peace-related events. SGI-New Zealand men's leader Ian Gordon called on participants to engage in dialogue that strengthens heart-to-heart bonds.

SGI-New Zealand Announce New Women Leaders - Nov 29-30

Joycelyn Foo was appointed SGI-New Zealand's new young women's division leader during a youth division summit at the SGI-New Zealand Culture Center in Auckland on November 29-30. Some 150 representatives from throughout the country, as well as Australia, gathered to share experiences and strengthen their bonds. Ms. Foo shared her resolve to foster many capable youth who will unite in solidarity to work for peace. SGI-Oceania Chair Richard Sasaki called on the participants to advance anew with a sense of mission for creating a happy society.

SGI-New Zealand youth summit