(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Blossoms Parade in Hastings, New Zealand, on September 20, 2025. The parade is a highlight of Blossom Fest. This year’s 75^th Blossom Parade showcased the city’s past, present, and future and the creativity and community spirit of the people of Hastings. Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) practitioners were welcomed in the parade, and many people said the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance resonated with them.

Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Blossom Parade on September 20.

The dragon dance team interacts with spectators during the parade.

Many people accept Falun Dafa flyers.

The Tian Guo Marching Band was the largest brass band in the parade. Many people complimented them on their costumes and performances. The “Falun Dafa Is Good,” and “The World Needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance” banners delivered their message to the community, and the dragon dance team was warmly applauded.

City Councilor Praises Falun Dafa’s Principles

City Councilors Damon Harvey (right) and Hana Montaperto-Hendry (left) praised the principles of Falun Dafa.

Hastings City Councilors Damon Harvey and Hana Montaperto-Hendry expressed their admiration and support for the Falun Dafa contingent. They said the group was fantastic, that their colors were so vibrant and the practitioners’ dedication showed in the effort they put into their preparations. They particularly admired the Tian Guo Marching Band’s blue and white uniforms. They thanked practitioners for coming from other cities to participate in the parade and said it was really touching.

When they learned that Falun Dafa is based on Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, they commented on how these values are needed in our world, now more than ever.

Councilor Harvey said that, in today’s complex society, with so many pressures and challenges, upholding these values was particularly worthwhile. He said, “These values not only foster a positive social and community atmosphere, but also serve as an important foundation for building a peaceful future.”

We Need Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance

Ruby said she liked practitioners’ performances.

Ruby, who lives in the area, commented on the dragon dance team in the parade: “I love it! Their movements were so coordinated. Even during rehearsals, I could feel the dragon’s agility. It really looked like a dragon in motion.” She particularly mentioned the finale of the performance: “When everyone stopped, the dragon’s tail zigzags through the air. That looked so real.”

When she learned that the dragon dance team was composed of practitioners and that Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are Falun Dafa’s principles, she said, “These are wonderful values. Society truly needs them, and every family needs them.”

She also said that the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performances were very moving and that Falun Dafa practitioners brought a lot of joy to the community.

Raising Awareness of the Human Rights Abuses in China

The practitioners’ participation in the parade also raised awareness of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution in China.

After Darryl and Ross Tremain from Napier saw the parade, Darryl said, “We support freedom, truth, and compassion. Values like Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance shouldn’t belong to just one country, but to the entire world. Sadly, the CCP continues to suppress its people, even committing disgusting crimes like forced organ harvesting.”

They pointed out that the CCP’s strict information censorship makes it difficult for the truth to get out, deprives people of freedom of speech, restricts internet access, and concentrates social resources in the hands of a very small number of people. Darryl said, “The world has experienced two world wars and should have learned lessons about peace from history, but dictatorship and oppression still exist. This is a tragedy for humanity.”

The couple said the parade was not only a community celebration, but also a platform for society to reconsider the values of justice and freedom. “This kind of event is great because it brings people together. The Falun Dafa practitioners’ music, performances, and costumes are all wonderful, but more importantly, they raise public awareness of human rights,” Darryl added.

Hastings is a major urban area in the Hawke’s Bay area on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, one of the country’s top wine-producing regions. Hawke’s Bay is not only a hub for food, wine, and art, but also an ideal destination for experiencing natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and unique Maori culture.