Category: News

On behalf of the Soka Gakkai International New Zealand Buddhist community we offer our condolences and deepest sympathy to the loved ones of those who lost their precious lives as well as those wounded in the senseless act of terrible violence that occurred in Christchurch. We stand together in mourning and in solidarity with the affected families, the Muslim community and people of Christchurch. (more…)

This year is looking like it will be bigger and better Tūmanako exhibitions than ever. HERE'S THE INFORMATION For information on the Auckland event below (more…)

Report by Laura Gow On 6 August 2017, the opening ceremony for Tūmanako was held outside Whakatāne library. It was an amazing community celebration with over 450 people attending. The ceremony began with a Karakia and blessing, and included items from the Schools throughout Whakatane. This was followed by words from Whakatāne’s Mayor, Mr Tony Bonne and a waiata sung by members of SGINZ. A representative from each of the nineteen schools that took part in Tūmanako cut the ribbon at the entrance of the library to open the exhibition. Due to exhibition space being limited, the Whakatāne District Council decided that rather than ask each child to create an artwork for peace, instead they would encourage children to design and create a peace flag for Tūmanako.  Preschools and primary…

Tokyo, 13 November, 2017: Hiromasa Ikeda, Vice President of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist association, joined other participants in stressing the moral case for ridding the world of nuclear weapons and urged increased efforts in raising awareness at the conference on ‘Perspectives for a World Free from Nuclear Weapons and for Integral Disarmament’ held at the Vatican in Rome on 10/11 November. Mr Ikeda stated: ‘Nuclear weapons are dangerous from a security perspective. From an ethical and moral perspective, they are wrong. This renders them unacceptable in any hands. With the geopolitical risks of nuclear conflict rising to unprecedented levels, it is vital that this awareness be shared widely by all people.’ He also stressed the SGI’s educational focus on creating opportunities for dialogue. ‘This can foster a shared awareness…

In an event organised by the Peace Foundation and supported by SGINZ the 30th anniversary of New Zealand's nuclear free legislation was celebrated in Auckland with 100's of people forming a giant peace symbol. The SGINZ brass band and behind the scenes support groups contributed to the event which was covered in local media Stuff and TV1

SPECIAL TO THE JAPAN TIMES The crucial second round of negotiations on a treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons will take place from June 15 at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Almost 130 countries, or two thirds of U.N. member states, participated in the first round of negotiations held at the end of March, which became the site of vigorous debate with the active participation of civil society. Nuclear weapons are capable of annihilating humankind and the global ecosystem, and the threat they pose is, if anything, growing. The upcoming negotiations seek to achieve a fundamental breakthrough in this situation. “We hibakusha have no doubt that this treaty can — and will — change the world.” This statement made by an atomic bomb survivor at the March negotiations was…