About
Why we are here
Kharchu Centre New Zealand Incorporated brings people together to support the study, practice and transmission of Buddha Dharma in Aotearoa — and the qualities it is meant to cultivate: compassion, wisdom, kindness and inner wellbeing.
Our purpose
To transmit Buddhist tradition and values in New Zealand, and to support the study and practice of Dharma.
KCNZ exists to serve Buddha Dharma through spiritual activities, teachings, meditation, Buddhist practice and compassionate community participation. It welcomes respectful participation from across the wider community, without prejudice towards other religions.
Our heritage
From Lhodrak Kharchu to Aotearoa
KCNZ’s tradition is that of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, as held and transmitted by our Patron. His Eminence is a principal holder of the Jangter, the Northern Treasure lineage, and founded Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery in Bhutan in 1982.
Kharchu Centre New Zealand takes its name and its spiritual direction from that tradition, carried here by people who have made New Zealand home.
1966
His Eminence Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche is born in Eastern Bhutan, later recognised as the Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa.
1982
His Eminence founds Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery in Bumthang, Bhutan — the tradition from which the Kharchu Centre name and lineage flow.
Recent years
Members of the Bhutanese and Himalayan Buddhist community in New Zealand gather for teachings, ceremonies and practice, and form Kharchu Centre New Zealand Incorporated.
2026
His Eminence visits Aotearoa (24 August – 4 September) and formally inaugurates Kharchu Centre New Zealand.
Some details of KCNZ’s founding are being confirmed and will be expanded here.
Our practice
Something we learn, and something we practise
At KCNZ the Dharma is studied and, more importantly, practised: teachings, meditation, ceremonies, empowerments and blessings, Dharma study, retreats and the practice materials that support them.
A lineage is an unbroken chain of transmission from teacher to student. It is what allows practices to be received today with the same meaning and blessing they carried when first taught.
Our community
Practice held together
KCNZ is made up of members and friends — Bhutanese and Himalayan New Zealanders, and others who have found their way to this tradition. The community gathers for teachings and ceremonies, supports one another in difficult times, and shares the practical work of running a Centre.
As an incorporated society, KCNZ is governed by its members through an Executive Committee and a set of Rules.
Learn the Dharma. Practise with sincerity. Grow in wisdom and compassion. Connect with community.