Dalai Lama To Visit Christchurch Earthquake Victims

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed a desire to meet with families of Christchurch earthquake victims when he visits the New Zealand city next week.

Over 160 people died and many thousands lost their homes and livelihoods when the devastating quake hit the city in February. The Dalai Lama was one of the first world leaders and celebrities to send a message of support to the people of Christchurch through Prime Minister John Key.

The Tibetan Buddhist leader will visit Christchurch on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, and will hold a public lecture at the CBS Canterbury Arena ahead of a previously scheduled trip to Australia.