The day I met the Dalai Lama

From Nights, 8:25 pm on 7 July 2025

In 1992 his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama visited New Zealand for the first of his six trips, making stops in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Nelson. 

It was in Dunedin where Nights listener Dean met his holiness and got to spend an afternoon with him. 

Dean explains how the impromptu afternoon outing happened.

The Dalai Lama and Dean pose for a photo. They both smile.

Dean Schneider and the Dalai Lama in Dunedin in 1992. Photo: Supplied

Dean hands the Dalai Lama a book on the hoiho

Dean Schneider hands the Dalai Lama his book on hoiho. Photo: Supplied

A newspaper clipping with the headline "I DIDN'T GET TO RIDE WITH THE DALAI LAMA, BUT . . ." and a picture showing Dean Schneider handing the Dalai Lama a book.

Dean Schneider's fortuitous meeting with the Dalai Lama ran in the Dunedin Star Weekender in May, 1992. Photo: Supplied