(Minghui.org) Practitioners held a rally at Commercial Bay in Auckland on May 10, 2025 to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and mark the 33^rd anniversary of the public introduction of the spiritual practice. Several invited guests, including human rights lawyer Kerry Gore, Wendy Cao Akarana Rewi, the adopted daughter of the Maori chief, and Falun Dafa practitioners.

Elected officials conveyed their greetings and wished the celebration success. From top to bottom, left to right: Paul Goldsmith, minister for Arts, Culture, and Heritage and Minister of Justice, Carmel Sepuloni, deputy leader of the New Zealand Labor Party, Marama Davison, co-leader of the Green Party, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, and city councilors Lotu Fuli, Chris Darby, and Christine Fletcher.

Elected officials, including Paul Goldsmith, minister for Arts, Culture, and Heritage and Minister of Justice, Carmel Sepuloni, deputy leader of the New Zealand Labor Party, Marama Davison, co-leader of the Green Party, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, and city councilors Lotu Fuli, Chris Darby, and Christine Fletcher, wrote to wish the event success, although they could not attend the event.

The day was filled with sunshine. Practitioners’ group exercise demonstration, the performances by the Tian Guo Marching Band, waist drum team, dragon dance team, and classical Chinese dancers drew many people to watch, take photos, and learn about Dafa.

Practitioners do the Falun Dafa exercises during the Falun Dafa Day celebration on May 10.

Tian Guo Marching Band performs.

Waist drum team performance

Dragon dance team performance

Practitioners perform classical Chinese dance.

The practitioners’ performances drew many people who watched and took photos.

People learned about Falun Dafa.

Falun Dafa Inspires Millions to Practice

Cardiologist Arthur Coverdale speaks at the rally.

Cardiologist Arthur Coverdale addressed the rally, and said, “My interest in Falun Dafa began some years ago. I am therefore proud to stand here and give you my respect and best wishes for the celebration that you hold today. I respect the fact that Falun Dafa is a spiritual practice, that there is no compulsion or coercion, no financial obligations, and no hierarchal structure since the time it was promulgated by Master Li Hongzhi – and who is acknowledged today.

“Falun Dafa draws on a millennium of culture and can be adopted by anyone who feels the need for spiritual guidance or enlightenment. It is in harmony with other faiths, as far as I am aware. It is an individual choice that one can freely make or decline, but millions of people in many countries of the world have resolutely stayed, like those of you here. I wish you all friendship, peace, and good fortune on this celebratory day,” he said.

People Benefit from Falun Dafa

Human rights lawyer Kerry Gore spoke in the rally.

Human rights lawyer Kerry Gore addressed the rally, and said, “Today we celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. Falun Dafa is a cultivation practice of mind, body, and spirit, where the practitioner cultivates in accordance with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. The practice was first publicly taught in China in 1992 by the founder, Master Li Hongzhi. It grew exponentially as the popularity of the practice became better known. Many people who took up the practice experienced an improvement in their physical health. Some even found themselves free from terminal illnesses. Others experienced greater peace of mind.”

He went on to say, “The moral principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are not simply of benefit for Falun Dafa practitioners. They are good for those who do not practice Falun Dafa, and good for society as a whole. With Truthfulness, there can be trust in others, and understanding. With Compassion (or Benevolence) there can be greater awareness of the suffering of others and a more profound sense of humanity. With Forbearance, there can be self-restraint, sacrifice, selflessness, and altruism.”

Finally, he expressed hope that more people would pay attention to Falun Dafa and its teachings. He believed that people would benefit from it.

Wendy Cao Akarana Rewi said that as the adopted daughter of an hereditary Māori chief, she stands today with great honor to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Wendy Cao Akarana Rewi, the adopted daughter of an hereditary Māori chief, “I stand today with great honor to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. We offer our deepest respect and heartfelt wishes to Master Li Hongzhi on this special occasion — happy birthday, Master Li.

“The principles of Falun Dafa—Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—deeply resonate with the Māori values and traditions. Today, we honour the light Falun Dafa brings to the world, celebrating the freedom of belief, the journey of spiritual cultivation, and the enduring strength of peaceful resilience.

“May the ties between our cultures remind us that wisdom and goodness transcend all boundaries. Blessings to you all.”

People Support Falun Dafa

Arthur Francis learns the Falun Dafa exercises.

Arthur Francis, a tourist from Houston, Texas, USA, was drawn by the peaceful scene as practitioners did the exercises. He approached them and started following their hand gestures.

He said that this was the first time he heard of Falun Dafa, but the experience of practicing the exercises made him feel very peaceful, “It was like going to another place, where there were no worries or pressures, and everything was so quiet and comfortable. This is exactly what I need—sitting in meditation, and peace of mind and body.”

When he learned that Falun Dafa advocates the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, Francis agreed, saying, “I believe in God, and I also believe in love and kindness to others. If everyone can be more kind, the world will become a better place.”

Jeff Parson and his wife Janida Parson support Falun Gong.

Jeff Parson and his wife Janida Parson were touched after seeing the practitioners’ group exercise.

Jeff said with emotion, “This open and peaceful scene of so many people practicing freely outdoors is so precious. We don’t practice, but watching from the sidelines it feels very peaceful and wonderful.”

Both husband and wife are Catholic. Jeff said, “We believe in God, love, and compassion. If everyone can think of others, the world will become a better place.”

When they learned that May 13 is World Falun Dafa Day and also the birthday of the founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, Janida said, “Happy birthday to Master Li! Please keep the strength and continue to persevere. You are as bright as the sun and as firm as the sunflower.”

New Practitioner Thanks Master Li

Practitioner Steven (right) practices the exercises.

Steven, a 67-year-old Oakland resident, encountered practitioners and began to practice Falun Dafa a few months ago, because he felt their peace and kindness. He said, “Although the exercises are not easy to learn, I feel very comfortable every time I practice them.” He is currently reading Falun Dafa’s main book, Zhuan Falun.

Talking about the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, Steven said, “I was taught to be kind to others since I was a child. I think the principles of Falun Dafa are consistent with the principles of my original faith. Life is complicated. If we can have more compassion and kindness, society will be better.”

He said that the biggest change in himself after learning the exercises was that he has become more patient. He also hopes to continue practicing in the future, “It brings me more inner peace.”

He wanted to say to Master Li, the founder of Falun Dafa, “Thank you, Master, for passing on such a good practice to us and giving me the opportunity to practice.”