(Minghui.org) May 13, 2021, is the 29th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction and the 70th birthday of its founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi. Practitioners in Hamilton, the fourth largest city in New Zealand, celebrated the occasion in the downtown area to express their gratitude to Master Li.

Falun Gong practitioners held a parade in downtown Hamilton to celebrate Falun Dafa Day.

VIPs Mark the Occasion

VIPs in New Zealand sent their letters to express their best wishes to the event.

In a letter from Reynold Macpherson, New Zealand’s Member of Parliament for Rotorua, he said, “Let me express the support to Falun Gong around the world. In New Zealand’s land of democracy and the free, Falun Gong is respected and allowed to practice and express their peaceful beliefs freely. Those governments that violate the beliefs of individuals should be held accountable. All the best!”

Kathy White, MP for Waikato, New Zealand, said in her letter, “Thank you for your persistence in defending compassion, tolerance, freedom of speech, and peacefulness. I wish you all the best in your Falun Dafa Day celebrations.”

President of Community Council Congratulated Falun Dafa Day

Abbie Langford, Golden Bay Community Board Chair, said, “I am writing to express my support for the Falun Dafa Day celebration.” “Falun Dafa promotes and encourages self-improvement and physical and mental cultivation rooted in traditional Chinese culture, including meditation and moral cultivation. The core of what Falun Dafa advocates are Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, which I believe is what we all need.”

Practitioners Express Their Gratitudes

Falun Gong practitioner Mrs. Zhudi Liu shared her experiences of practicing Falun Gong.

At the rally, Falun Gong (aka Falun Dafa) practitioner Judy Liu shared her experience from practicing Dafa. She said, “I had a fracture in my back when I cut down a tree five years ago. It was almost impossible for me to move a little bit due to the spinal injury. I tried almost everything, including chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and massage, but nothing brought relief. However, two weeks after practicing Falun Dafa, I found that I could stand up and walk around. My spinal pain was completely gone. Then I learned the five sets of Dafa exercises. I recovered from all my other illnesses, and I felt my body and steps became light.”

“The book Zhuan Falun answered all the questions I had and told me how to distinguish between good and bad. I decided to follow the Dafa principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. When I finished reading the book. I was so happy that I had found this Dafa, because it guided my spirit.”

“Falun Dafa not only purified my body but also constantly guided me through hardships and difficulties with Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Whenever there are conflicts, I look inward to correct myself and let go of my attachments, such as jealousy, showing off, and being competitive. My family became more harmonious. I am very grateful that I can practice Falun Dafa freely in New Zealand while our fellow practitioners under the Chinese Communist regime have been persecuted because of their belief.”

People’s Support for Falun Dafa

Police officer Kalyan Davis believes that the principle of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance benefits people.

Kalyan Davis was one of the police officers who came today to help maintain order for the event. He said happily, “These people are very peaceful. I also saw the banner with the words Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I believe that such a concept is something that will benefit our community.”

Ms. Rita, who is 85 years old and a former nurse, watched and learned the exercises the practitioners demonstrated. She said, “I think if a person can follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, he will not do bad things. These principles are also the most important thing I will tell my children and grandchildren as a senior person. I will set an example at home by following these principles. I am very concerned about Falun Gong practitioners in China because the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) does not allow them to hold onto their philosophy and belief.”

Local residence appreciated Falun Gong practitioners’ efforts.

Pauleen Williams, a local resident, had tears in her eyes when she watched the parade. “It was so beautiful, and it moved me so much,” she said. “The marching band just made my whole body feel alive, and it was worth seeing. I’m so grateful for what they did today. I loved their costumes and music. Everything was just right and very harmonious. It was wonderful and it gave a feeling of being blown away from the inside out. I guess the police officers who were there today felt the same way. I thank them for their message of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”

//www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2021/5/9/新西兰法轮功学员庆祝世界法轮大法日-424427.html