Waikato Compassion Meditation Centre

Hamilton's Waikato Compassion Meditation Centre (WCMC) is a Buddhist vihara established in the Sri Lankan tradition but operating as a non-sectarian centre for meditation, Buddhist teachings, and practices. Although run mainly by Hamilton's Sri Lankan community, the centre reaches out to everyone in the Waikato community and a number of Kiwis also participate in its activities. The centre opened in Bankwood Road, Chartwell, in 2002 but moved to its present location in Silverdale in 2006.

The centre is open to anyone interested in finding greater peace and contentment in their lives by exploring the Buddhist path. The centre caters for both the Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions and for people from a more Western way of life. Buddhist or not, you are welcome to participate in our activities, teachings, and meditations to whatever extent you wish.

Chief Incumbent: Venerable Dunuvila Metteyya Maha Thero

Venerable Dunuvila Metteyya Maha Thero (Bhante Metteyya) is the chief incumbent of Waikato Compassion Meditation Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand. Venerable is also the Patron Monk of the Meditation Trust. He has been a Buddhist monk for over 40 years in Theravada Buddhism (early Buddhism).

Born in 1964, he entered the Buddhist Order in 1973 and received higher ordination in 1985. He has completed a BA and MA degree in Buddhist studies and served as a school teacher in Sri Lanka before moving to the USA to serve the Buddhist community. In 2005, he was invited to New Zealand to serve the Buddhist community in Hamilton and has since guided WCMC to develop as a premier Theravada Buddhist Center.