SGI-New Zealand Young Men Hold Commemorative Meetings - Jul 10

SGI-New Zealand young men in Auckland

SGI-New Zealand young men, led by Youth Division Chief Richard Tam and Young Men's Division Chief Leon Ho, celebrated the July 11, 1951 establishment of the young men's division with local meetings throughout the country. The theme was "Engage, Embrace and Expand," the national theme for SGI-New Zealand for 2004. On South Island, the young men on July 10 at the Dunedin Center, located in the southernmost hemisphere. Hong Gee shared his experience of incorporating Buddhism in his daily life. On July 3, Wellington members met at the Wellington Center and studied the Buddhist concept of "practice for oneself and others." Members living near Auckland met at the New Zealand Culture Center in Auckland on July 11, with a theme of "Open a Life of Victory," and studied the ideas of "obstacles," "victory in life," as well as the history and spirit of the Soka Gakkai International, and the life of Nichiren.

SGI-New Zealand Young Women's Division (YWD) Celebrate YWD Anniversary

Throughout the month of July, SGI-New Zealand young women celebrated the establishment of the young women's division (YWD) across the country. North Shore Chapter young women discussed "What is Happiness?" YWD Chapter Leader Joanne Chan called on the participants to deepen their faith through the study of Nichiren's writings. At the Akarana Chapter meeting on July 19, YWD General Chapter Leader Liz Wallace encouraged the attendees to create a solid foundation in their faith and in life during their youth. Otago District young women met at the Dunedin center on July 17. Together with district leader Miho Taira, the group resolved to cultivate their lives to create an invincible self that can overcome any obstacle in life and manifest genuine happiness from within.

Young women of Otago District
Young women of Akarana Chapter	Young women of North Shore Chapter