Here is something of interest. Bhuchung Tsering of ICT

The following is an unofficial rough translation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's interview to Voice of America correspondent in Wellington, New Zealand. His Holiness spoke in Tibetan to the VOA correspondent.

Broadcast by VOA Tibetan service on Thursday, September 12, 1996. This is my second visit to New Zealand. My main purpose for this present trip is to bestow the Kalachakra initiations in Australia. I have noticed that there is an increasing number of people supporting Tibet in New Zealand.

New Zealand's clean air, cool weather and beautiful landscape reminds me of Tibet. I particularly notice a great interest in Tibet, which was not there earlier. During my meetings with the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and members of Parliament, everyone displayed solidarity with my efforts.

Despite the fact that the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy here in New Zealand showed great signs of dislike, I had very relaxed meetings with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister.

My main appeal to the leaders (of New Zealand) was to support me in my endeavour for a peaceful solution which will be mutually agreeable to Tibetans and Chinese. Despite the changes in the Chinese attitude, there is no change in my attempt for a mutually-agreeable solution.

New Zealand does not have many Tibetans. There are a few Dharma centres and some religious teachers. For some time there was just one Tibetan family, the family of Thuten Kesang. Even though he was the lone Tibetan, Thuten Kesang was able to make himself useful and work for the Tibetan cause. I have admiration for his effort. In all the places where Tibetans live, it is important that they work for Tibet in whatever capacity that is possible in the local situation. I usually say that the gesture of even one Tibetan will make a difference in bringing support to Tibet. Thuten Kesang's example corroborates this.

At the end of this first day of my visit to New Zealand, although I am physically tired, I am mentally happy.