The Shakyamuni Buddha Statue was built by many kiwi volunteers under the guidance of the resident teachers, Venerable Lama Samten and Venerable Lama Shedrup, to fulfill the wishes of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje.  At 25 ft tall, it is the largest Buddha Statue in the southern hemisphere. 

Opening in 1992

The eyes were opened in 1992 and it was consecrated by His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama and subsequently blessed by many high lamas including His Holiness Sakya Trizin, head of the Sakya lineage.

Decoration encircling the base

Around the base of the statue are finely detailed bas relief panels of auspicious symbols.

Renovation

After a number of years the outer plaster coating on the Buddha Statue had deteriorated and had started to flake off allowing water to seep in and lift plaster from the lower part of the statue. Once the plaster was repaired the entire surface had to be sanded, plastered and sealed with yellow tinted sealant to intensify the colour of the final coats of gold paint.