Buddhist community embraces Police

Police participation in the recent opening of two Buddhist temples reinforced the importance of a mutual working relationship with New Zealand’s increasingly diverse communities.

Strategic Ethnic Adviser, Kefeng Chu, PNHQ, says the steadily diversifying ethnic and religious mix in New Zealand presents new challenges and opportunities for Police.

“There are now more than 50,000 Buddhists living in New Zealand,” says Kefeng.

At the opening of the Fo Guangshan Buddhist temple in Auckland, from left:

Strategic Ethnic Adviser, Kefeng Chu, PNHQ; the Venerable Master Hsing Yun;

Counties-Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Steve Shortland;

and Sergeant Rakesh Naidoo, RNZPC.

“The strategy is to work closely with our culturally and religiously diverse communities to create safer communities together and a more inclusive society for us all.”

A practical example of this saw Police invited to attend and assist in the grand opening of the two Fo Guangshan Buddhist temples in Auckland and Christchurch on the 2nd and 3rd of October.

The opening ceremonies were presided over by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of the Fo Guangshan Monastery. Kefeng was invited to interpret for him, which he describes as a “great honour”.

But the Police involvement in the temple openings was more than symbolic.

The temples provide facilities where Police can meet and interact with diverse community members on crime prevention and safety issues. A Police professional development course and a community safety seminar were recently held at the Auckland temple.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Berry, Area Community Services Manager, Counties Manukau East, says it’s a great privilege to have New Zealand’s biggest Buddhist temple located in his area.

“The prominent role Police played during the opening ceremony and celebration is a clear sign that the relationship is now working both ways,” Andrew says.

“We see the importance of the temple and they see the importance of a working relationship with Police. The maturity of that relationship means we are now in a position to work together on challenging issues such as burglary within the Chinese community.”