AUCKLAND, New Zealand—July 20, 2009 marks 10 brutal years of the systematic persecution of millions of Falun Gong practitioners by China’s ruthless communist party.
A commemoration event will be held at 11:30am on Monday, July 20, 2009, downtown Auckland, Aotea Square Queen St. for the countless victims who continue to be arrested, imprisoned, tortured and even murdered for practicing this ancient meditation system that has at heart the principles to be truthful, compassionate and tolerant, outlawed by China.
Despite the crackdown, Falun Gong is enjoyed in more than 80 countries by more than 100 million people, a great majority of those living in China, according to data supplied by the Falun Dafa Association.
Political leaders in New Zealand support Falun Gong
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Mr Murray McCully; Minister of Revenue, Leader of United Future, Hon Mr Peter Dunne; Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon Dr Pita Sharples; Green Party Member of Parliament and Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Hon Mr Keith Locke; National Party Member of Parliament, Hon Dr Paul Hutchison; Labour Party Member of Parliament, Hon Ms Maryan Street; Maori Party Member of Parliament, Hon Mr Te Ururoa Flavell and The Mayor of Auckland, His Worship Mayor John Banks all expressed best wishes to Falun Gong practitioners for the event.
Green Party Member of Parliament and Green Party Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Hon Mr Keith Locke, said in his greeting: “On behalf of the Green Party I send greetings to all Falun Gong members gathered here today, on this sad anniversary, the 10th anniversary of the persecution of the Falun Gong in China...the Green Party will continue to speak out for the rights of Falun Gong members in China, and the rights of all people in China and Tibet.”
Labour Party Member of Parliament, Hon Ms Maryan Street said in her greeting:“... I understand the humanitarian import of your cause ... I wish you well.”
Minister of Revenue and Leader of the United Future Party, Hon Mr Peter Dunne, said in his greeting: “... please convey my best wishes and support to the gathering.”
Prominent members of New Zealand Society
“The fact that seven MPs and the Mayor of Auckland have now given their good wishes suggests that they have more understanding of the issue,” said chairman of the Auckland Council for Civil Liberties, wellknown Radio Talk back host, renowned New Zealand lawyer, and member of the Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (CIPFG), New Zealand Branch, Mr Barry Wilson.
“The risk is that successive governments and state agencies will be careful not to offend China because of considerations around the NZ-China Free Trade deal.
“That agreement was signed amid concerns that the government would not speak out on Human Rights issues in China.”
Mr Wilson suggested that government leaders should familiarise themselves with the Matas/Kilgour report on organ harvesting and express concern at every opportunity.
“Diplomatic ties are now well developed between NZ and China. Every opportunity should be taken by officials to raise Human Rights issues.”
The late Rod Donald (Green Party co- leader) gave an example of what could be done to protest human rights abuses in China when he protested at the presence of a Chinese delegation in Parliament, according to Mr Wilson.
He said Falun Gong was a “philosophical alternative to communist materialism based around spiritual beliefs and a healthy lifestyle.
“Falun Gong practitioners have shown huge strength of character in defending their faith against the enormous autocratic power of the Chinese state. They have every right to do so. The evil is in the imprisonment and torture of Falun Gong by the Chinese government and the secret organ harvesting for money, targeting its members.”
