(Minghui.org) Hastings, New Zealand, is located in Hawke’s Bay on the east coast of the North Island. There are many orchards and vineyards there, and the region is famous for producing world-class wines. Hastings held its annual grand Blossom Parade to celebrate the arrival of spring on September 21, 2024. Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in the parade and won the Best Performance Award. The organizers thanked them for bringing beautiful ideals to the community.

Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Blossom Parade on September 21, 2024 and won the Best Performance Award.

The annual Blossom Parade began in 1950 and this year, more than 50 groups including over 1,000 people participated. The event is jointly organized by the Hastings District Council, business associations, and arts groups (Arts Inc Heretaunga). This year’s parade theme was “Regeneration: Spring Back Hastings!”

Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Blossom Parade on September 21, 2024.

The parade officially began at 1 p.m. and Hastings’ main business street was lined with thousands of eager spectators. The Tian Guo Marching Band, wearing traditional blue and white costumes, played uplifting music. The dragon dancer’s energetic performance won rounds of applause from the crowd. Many people praised the words “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” printed in Chinese and English on the float and thanked practitioners for sharing these values with the community.

Mayor Welcomes Falun Dafa Practitioners 

Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst is always happy to see practitioners participating in the parade. 

Sandra Hazlehurst, the Mayor of Hastings, welcomed practitioners. “I’m very happy that you are here in Hastings. Welcome to the parade!” she said.

She said the practitioners’ contingent was great, adding that she was impressed by their traditional costumes, which were bright and colorful.

Parade Director: Everyone Needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance

Lyn Mackey enjoyed the Dafa practitioners’ performance. 

Lyn Mackey has been the parade director for 26 years. She praised the Falun Dafa group, and said, “I’ve seen them many times. They are very peaceful, and we like them very much.” 

She remarked, “I think the principles of Falun Dafa are very good. These people [practitioners] are obviously very peaceful. The values they believe in are also reflected in their spirit. Everyone needs these values [Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance]. Because in this world, tranquility and peace are hard to find. There are too many things happening every day, and it’s easy for us to be distracted.”

Marita McCornick Duncan had her photo taken with a practitioner. 

Marita McCornick Duncan, one of the parade organizers, said, “I’ve been involved in organizing the parade for eight years, and I always look forward to seeing the Falun Dafa team. They always look happy, and the musicians and dancers are excellent. We like them very much!

“They were as impressive as always. Not only are the costumes colorful, but the band and dragon dance team also perform non-stop and brilliantly. The whole team is very colorful and full of surprises. I’m very happy to see the Falun Dafa practitioners’ float in this parade!”

She also emphasized that Falun Dafa’s values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are particularly important in today’s society, and thanked practitioners for delivering these messages to the community.

The Falun Dafa Group Is One of the Best

Nephi praised Falun Dafa’s principles. 

Artist Nephi said, “I like their [Falun Dafa practitioners’] float and whole group very much. The costumes are beautiful, with exquisite designs and bright colors. I think they are one of the best teams.” As a Maori, Nephi said she understands the significance of upholding traditional culture.

She said, “I think Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are of great benefit to our society. Our [Maori] values are also very similar.”

She mentioned that Maori values include valuing family, and helping the community, and said she feels this is the embodiment of truthfulness and compassion.

Teacher: Falun Dafa’s Values Can Teach the Community

Ruth (left), Alieta (middle), and their friend Nephi (right)

Ruth, an English teacher, and Alieta, who works at a Maori organization, also enjoyed the parade.

Ruth said, “The Falun Dafa practitioners’ float is decorated with yellow balloons, which is very beautiful. We also like the band’s performance. The team is well organized and the overall harmony is very good.” The women said the float’s design reminded them of Maori people’s warships.

Ruth and Alieta said they agree with the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Alieta said, “We should all be kind and sincere to others. We should seek truth in everything we do.”

They commented that the excellent values that Falun Dafa practitioners convey can not only teach the community, but also have an educational effect on our next generation and even the next generation.

People Praise the Performances

Jan Hart and her grandchildren said they like the practitioners’ performances. 

Jan Hart brought her grandchildren to watch the parade. She said happily, “I think the band is great! I’ve seen their performances in previous years’ parades, and they were wonderful. They did a great job!”

She explained that she is Catholic and strongly agrees with Falun Dafa’s values. Jan said, “These values are very important. People, especially young people, need to know more about them. I think a healthy society is a trouble-free society. If you follow these values, people won’t get into trouble.”