Yushu Earthquake: It was disturbing enough to learn of the earthquake in Yushu in early April this year; now we learn of the devastation caused by floods and landslides in the same are in the past few days. According to information received, it seems that although it is a natural disaster, behind it lies China’s contribution to it by ignoring Tibet’s fragile ecosystem. Chinese authorities have allowed deforestation, construction of hydroelectric power plants and dams and goldmining in the region. All these add up to the destabilising of the area, making it a disaster waiting to happen, which occurred this week. Our heartfelt sympathies go to all the Tibetans in the region. The Tibetan community in Auckland observed the 40th day of the earthquake by hosting a tsog puja at Dorje Chang Institute to which Auckland FOT members were invited also.
Friends of Tibet (NZ) members and the Tibetan community generously donated $5,700 to the earthquake relief, and this money has been sent to the Tibet Foundation in London. This will help in the five-year rebuilding project that the Foundation is undertaking in the Yushu area. Thank you all for your generosity. We will keep members informed as updates on the project are received.

Parliamentary Lobby Group for Tibet: As most of you know, we have re-established the Parliamentary Lobby Group for Tibet. Its co-chairs are Green MP Sue Kedgely and Labour’s Darien Fenton. One of its first actions was to work on a resolution which was to be tabled as a”non debatable motion”. However, as this did not have support of the National Party it was not tabled. The motion was: That this House congratulates His Holiness the Dalai Lama on celebrating his 75th birthday on 6th July 2010; recognises the Dalai Lama’s unstinting commitment to non-violence, his pragmatism in seeking a Middle Way approach in order to reach a peaceful and practical solution for the future of Tibet and its people, and his work in inter-faith areas; and acknowledges the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize awarded in 1989 and his US Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.
Members were disappointed that such a great man was not honoured by the New Zealand Parliament on his 75th birthday.

Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: This year, being the 75th birthday of His Holiness, Buddhist centres in New Zealand and round the world celebrated in various ways, and all recited the Long Life Prayer for His Holiness. In Auckland the Tibetan community gathered at Trashi Gomang on 4th July, and were invited to lunch at Land of Buddha Compassion on 6th (the actual birthday of His Holiness), and at Dorje Chang that evening. On Saturday 10th July, the Auckland Tibetan Association members provided a meal for Friends of Tibet members to say thank you for the support for Tibet over many years. Former PLG Chairman Ian Revell and current co-chair Darien Fenton both attended and said a few words about Tibet and His Holiness. The other co-chair, Sue Kedgely, sent her apologies. After the fine meal, members were entertained by Kusang Jigme, who danced several Tibetan dances, and Janelle Groves, who sang her own composition “My Hero”, a song about His Holiness. We all had a good evening.

Tibet Support Conference: The Sixth International Tibet Support Group conference will be held near New Delhi from 4th-7th November this year and we have been asked to send a representative from FOT and the Tibetan community in New Zealand. The Auckland committee felt that it is very important for me to attend both entities. Any donations towards the cost of my airfare will be gratefully received as we have to pay our way to get there.

Launch of a book on the visit of His Holiness in December 2009: A lovely photographic book by the Trust’s voluntary photographer, Cally Stockdale, has been produced by her. Entitled His Holiness XIV Dalai Lama in New Zealand 2009, it contains many lovely photos of His Holiness’ visit and will be a wonderful record for you to treasure. An advertisement for the book is on the back page.

With best wishes and Tashi Delek

Thuten Kesang,
National Chairman