Translated news

The chinese version of the news in FGS in new zealand

南島基督城燈籠節重新登場  全城民眾蜂擁而出狂慶新年
 
紐西蘭南島基督城2012年年度盛事—「燈籠節園遊會」2月11日下午5時於海格利公園展開。去年因為地震停辦一次，目前由於維多利亞公園現場尚在施工，今年基督城市政府及主辦單位Asia NZ選擇在海格利公園重新出發，希望藉著歡喜的燈籠節，掃去大眾心中的陰霾。紐西蘭南島佛光山及南島協會在法師及會長的帶領之下於現場成立一個文教流通處及三個素食攤位為大眾服務，南島佛光人及佛光青年約40餘人前往協助支援。
 
活動從下午5時開始，基督城民眾如潮水般湧進海格利公園，造成從不堵車的基督城出現車陣大排長龍的罕見現象。今年的「燈籠節園遊會」場地足以容納5至6萬人，現場有40多個攤位以及一個民族文化表演的舞台，並有各式各樣的燈籠高掛讓攝影愛好者快門壓個不停。現場的大眾觀賞由大會準備的文藝節目及精彩的舞龍及舞獅表演。其中以舞龍最特別，它穿梭在人潮中，讓大眾直呼過癮。
　　
紐西蘭南島佛光山及南島佛光人、佛光青年在陣容當中，配合師姐補充食物及夾送食物，最受歡迎的香菜餅、炸春捲、炸豆腐、炒麵、拉薩、煎餃及娘惹糕從下午五點開始大排長龍，大多數食物在晚間10時前全部售出。紐西蘭南島協會流通處的中國佛教文物及小玩意受到大眾的喜愛，尤其是中國搖鼓及小舞獅子吸引許多小孩子和父母的目光並前來詢問和購買。估計首日活動吸引了近8萬人潮前來參與，可以說是基督城自222地震後最熱絡歡喜的活動了。
 
今年的園遊會南島佛光山及南島協會攤位再次為大眾帶來美味的素食，也希望透過這活動能讓更多的人認識佛光山、了解素食的好處，更重要的是希望每一位民眾再次提起精神及信心面對未來，活出健康快樂的生命。

The English version of the news which i translated according to the original texts

The 2012 annual grand event of NZ Christchurch-Lantern Festival  was launched successfully on 11st February 5pm in Hagley Park. This annual celebration has been discontinued once in previous year due to the earthquake that stroke CHristchurch.Currently  the renovation of Victoria Park is still being carried out. Hence, Christchurch government and organization chose to launch the grand celebration in Hagley Park this year. It is hoped to sweep away the sadness in canterbury' heart through this delightful Lantern celebration. Under the lead of venerable of South NZ FGS and President See Shen lee, a Buddhism craft stall and 3 vegetarian stalls were set up to serve the public. Around 40 BLIA youths participated in assisting this meaningful event.

The event started on 5pm and attracted quite a number of residents of Christchurch to Hagley park, causing great traffic jam which is a rare phenomenon in Christchurch. The location of  Lantern celebration this year was large enough to fill 50-60 thousands people. There were 40 stalls and 1 cultural performance stage on the spot. Decorated lanterns that hang highly attracted a lot of photographers with great photography passion to sharpen their skills. A lot of spectators grabbed the chance to enjoy the cultural performances and most importantly  the wonderful  and outstanding dragon dance performances which received the uttermost attention from the crowds.

The food prepared by Fo Guang Shan south island New Zealand, BLIA south island members, BLIA youth adult division members included the very popular Coriander pancake, deep fried spring rolls, deep fried tofu, laksa, fried dumpling and nyoya cakes received great respond and long queue since 5pm.Most of the food were sold out by 10pm.The Chinese Buddhism crafts of South NZ FGS craft stall were special likings of many people attended. To be mentioned, they were waving drums and small dancing lions,which catched most attention of the children and parents to bring them home. Roughly estimated, the event had attracted 80 thousands people on the very first day. It has been the ever most merried and wonderful activity since the earthquake which happened on February 22.

Last but not least to be mentioned that , the Lantern Festival celebration of South New Zealand FGS  and organization had introduced a lot of delicious vegetarian cuisines to the public. Via such meaningful activity, it is hoped that more people will get the chance to know about Fo Guang Shan, to understand the benefits of vegetarian cuisines and most importantly to lift up the spirits and confidence of Canterburian to prepare for the future and subsequently to live a healthy and blissful life.





It is a meaningful task to be carried out. :)