Published by: World Tibet Network News, Tuesday, Mar 12, 1996

From: Thuten Kesang NZ Liaison Office

Auckland, Tue. 12 March, 96 -- The 37th anniversary of Tibetan uprising against the Chinese Occupation of Tibet was observed throughout New Zealand by members of Friends of Tibet (N.Z.) on 10th March 1996.

In Auckland the members gathered at the Auckland War Memmorial Cenotaph at mid day to remember 1.2 million Tibetans who lost their lives as a direct result of Chinese occupation of Tibet.

The resident Tibetan lama's led the group about 100 people in prayer for long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and prayer for the Tibetans who lost their lives as direct result of the Chinese Occupation of Tibet.

His Holiness's 10th March speech was read by Thuten Kesang Chairman of Friends of Tibet (N.Z.) and also he breifed the people there on the current situation in Tibet. Members layed wreaths and flowers at the Cenotaph for the Tibetans who lost their lives. This was followed by a picnic at the domain which was enjoyed by all.

In Christchurch, they observed the occation by holding a concert and a three day film festival to make people aware of the Tibetan situation and encourage members of the public to become actively involved with Tibet issue. Neil Cameron our Christchurch representive of Friends of Tibet (N.Z) read His Holiness's 10th March speech. All the venues were well attented.

In Dunedin, the members of Friends of Tibet (N.Z.) led by Lobsang Dawa observed this day by prayer for long life of His Holiness and they were addressed by the Mayer of Dunedin, Mrs. Shuki Turner who recently refused to go to Shanghai as a sister city delegate on the grounds of China's poor record on Human Rights in Tibet and China. Mr Lobsang Dawa read His Holiness's 10th March speech. The next day four ladies dressed in Tibetan costume with their month gagged to show that there is no freedom of speech in Tibet

In Wellington, They observed the day by protesting outside the Chinese Embassy, the Wellington groups was led by Mr. Christ Matherson our representitive of Friends of Tibet (N.Z.) He was also interviewed by National Radio about the Tibet situation. members of the public tooted their car horns to show support for Tibet as they drove passed th Chinese Embassy.