Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island New Zealand hosted the Embracing Love and Peace - Blessing for Christchurch event at the Aurora Centre in Christchurch on 2nd November, attracting around 700 people.

The purpose of the Embracing Love and Peace – Blessing for Christchurch event was to uplift Christchurch, which has suffered from natural and man-made disasters. Religious representatives prayed and delivered blessings to restore joy and happiness to the public. With the combined strength of the Oceania region, a total of 18 Venerables from Australia and New Zealand staged a performance of Buddhist chanting. Following that, nearly 60 performers sung and danced and more than 50 volunteers made the event a success. Te Rakiwhakaputa (K.H.S Kapahaka) performed and Whaea Danna was given the honour of conducting the Opening Blessing of the event.