Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Open House and Dedication

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will dedicate the Auckland New Zealand Temple on Sunday, April 13, 2025. A media event will be held on Monday, February 24, followed by two days of tours for invited guests. The public is invited to tour the temple from Thursday, February 27, through Saturday, March 22, 2025 (excluding Sundays). The temple will be the second in New Zealand.¹

Groundbreaking Ceremony

"This is an historic day as we dedicate the ground for the Auckland New Zealand Temple," said Elder Ian S. Arden, president of the Pacific Area, at the groundbreaking ceremony held on Saturday, June 13, 2020. He added, "The temple will be a beautiful, bright light in the city of Auckland, inviting all to come unto Christ." All three members of the Area Presidency and their wives were in attendance along with leaders from civic, religious, and community organizations including Mayor Phil Goff. In his remarks, Mayor Goff celebrated the diversity of faiths and cultures in New Zealand stating, "We are free to worship as we choose. Together, we must defeat prejudice, intolerance, and bigotry. We stand together against these things." Groundbreaking Co-Chair, Ngatai Smith, emphasized that the temple will be "a place of beauty, holiness, peace, and tranquility. Most importantly, it will be a place where people will come to hear God speaking to them, words of comfort and gentle guidance."²

In early June, the Pacific Area Presidency announced a delayed groundbreaking broadcast for the Auckland New Zealand Temple to be held on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. NZST. The online video transmission will be a recording of the live services held one day earlier. Those who wish to participate can watch the video on the Pacific Area website or on the Pacific Area Facebook page where it will be pinned as a "watch party." The presidency stated: "We are blessed that even in the midst of global challenges, the work of salvation continue and the bright beacon of the temple shines forth as a symbol of hope for all to see."

Temple Rendering

On March 12, 2020, an official exterior rendering of the Auckland New Zealand Temple was released.

Temple Site

During a nine-day ministering tour of the Pacific islands, President Russell M. Nelson spoke at a devotional held Tuesday, May 21, 2019, in Auckland's Spark Arena to a congregation of 12,000. He said: "Today I am pleased to announce that the new temple will be built in Auckland on Redoubt Road." The hillside site sits between the stake center for the Auckland New Zealand Redoubt Stake and the New Zealand Missionary Training Center. President Nelson added that the temple would be a "two-story building with a granite exterior. It's light and beauty will be highly visible."³

Temple Announcement

The city of Auckland was announced as the home of New Zealand's second temple on October 7, 2018, by President Russell M. Nelson. The country's first temple, the Hamilton New Zealand Temple (1958) had recently closed for an extensive renovation project. There are thirteen stakes in the Auckland metropolitan area where Church membership has grown significantly in recent years. The Church was first established on the island nation in the 1850s and has more than 114,000 members today.⁴

Temple Facts

The Auckland New Zealand Temple will be the second temple built in New Zealand, following the Hamilton New Zealand Temple (1958).

The Auckland New Zealand Temple was announced in the 60th anniversary year of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, the same year it closed for a multi-year renovation.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Auckland New Zealand Temple was announced on the same day that the Church announced it was temporarily suspending all public gatherings of Church members worldwide, including sacrament meetings, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Temple Design

Exterior

• BUILDING: Steel structure, granite exterior cladding
• DESIGN MOTIFS:
  • New Zealand flora, including the kōwhai flower, pōhutukawa tree, manuka tree, kauri tree, and silver fern (Cyathea dealbata)
  • Colors of blue and green representing the paua shell, with accents of gold
  • Māori basket weave patterns
  • Green quartzite stone on the floor reminiscent of New Zealand jade (pounamu)
  • White Calacatta Caldia marble on the floor, calling to mind the Māori name for New Zealand, Aotearoa, the “land of the long white clouds”
  • Interior and exterior design motifs also influenced by the art deco style, inspired by local historical architecture
• ART GLASS DESIGN: Designed in conjunction with Holdman Studios (Utah, USA) and fabricated and installed by Timeless Art Glass (Utah). The glass’s colors and designs are inspired by New Zealand flora, including kōwhai flowers and ferns. Colors are blue, green, and yellow, with some clear, utilizing textured glass for a translucent effect.
• LANDSCAPING: Features 250 large trees, including native kōwhai, nīkau palms and pōhutukawa trees. Two of the pōhutukawa trees were transplanted from a site in central Auckland, where they would have been cut down, and they are now thriving. There are 12,930 square meters of shrub gardens in addition to 8,280 square meters of lawn and 300 square meters of flowers that are rotated seasonally.

Interior

• CARPET: Nylon broadloom throughout most of the building, with nylon tiles for instruction, worker and dressing areas.
• RUGS: One hundred percent New Zealand wool.
• STONE: Calacatta Calidia marble tiles with green quartzite borders and skirtings.
• LIGHTING: Fixtures made of crystal and brass.
• MILLWORK: Eucalyptus (Tasmanian oak) veneers and solids.
• BAPTISMAL FONT RAILINGS: Stainless steel, brass and glass.
• DOORS AND HARDWARE: Solid eucalyptus (Tasmanian oak) hardwood doors with brass hardware. The doors are designed with integrated art glass panels or reeded timber panels.
• PAINT: Green paint by Resene.
• WALLCOVERING: Vinyl wallcoverings throughout the building except the celestial and sealing rooms, which have a decorative stencil wall pattern inspired by local art deco stylization and local flora.
• CEILINGS: Constructed of gypsum board throughout except in some of the working spaces, which feature suspended grid acoustic ceilings. Special finishes to ordinance rooms include decorative paint and gold leaf inspired by art deco stylization and local flora.
• ORIGINAL ARTWORK: “Kaumatua in Prayer” by New Zealand artist Dave Sotogi, “Te Piha” by Utah artist David Dibble and “Peace Be Still” by Utah artist Bryan Taylor.

Church History in Auckland

Early Church History

The roots of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Auckland trace back to 1854, a pivotal year when missionaries first arrived in the city. Their efforts bore immediate fruit, with the first baptism occurring that same year in Karori, Wellington. This marked the humble beginnings of a faith community that would grow steadily in the decades to follow. By the 1880s, the Church’s membership expanded significantly, drawing individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Māori and European communities. Pacific Islanders, who migrated to New Zealand in increasing numbers, also contributed to the Church’s growth, enriching its membership with vibrant cultural diversity.

A critical aspect of these early years was the role of labor missionaries. These dedicated individuals contributed not only their time and energy but also their faith, helping to build foundational structures for the fledgling Church. Among the notable chapels they constructed were those at Scotia Place in the city, Takapuna, Pah Road in Mount Roskill, and Rowandale in Manurewa. These buildings provided much-needed spaces for worship and community gatherings, serving as both spiritual and physical anchors for the growing membership. The efforts of these labor missionaries exemplified the harmonious blend of faith and practical service, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire.

Labor missionaries also constructed the Latter-day Saint temple in Hamilton, which was the first temple in the Southern Hemisphere. That sacred building was dedicated in 1958, and since that time Church members from throughout New Zealand have made significant sacrifices to travel to Hamilton.

Church Growth

The 20th century brought significant organizational milestones for the Church in Auckland. In 1958, the establishment of the city’s first stake signified a new era of structured leadership and local governance. Today, Auckland is home to 15 stakes and 86 congregations, serving approximately 31,000 members.

A crucial development in the Church’s growth was the establishment of the missionary training center (MTC). Originally located in Hamilton in 1977, the MTC relocated to Auckland in 2010, becoming a key feature of the Auckland New Zealand Temple site. With the capacity to train up to 112 missionaries at a time, the MTC prepares individuals for service across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

The Church Today

The announcement of the Auckland New Zealand Temple in 2018 was a defining moment for the Church and its members. The construction process has involved collaboration with local leaders and councils, showcasing the Church’s dedication to community development. The temple stands not just as a physical structure but as a testament to the sacrifices and service of past generations.

One of the most remarkable features of the Church in the Auckland area is its multiculturalism. Sunday services in New Zealand are available in multiple languages, including Māori, Chinese, Niuean, Tongan and Samoan, reflecting the rich diversity of the region’s membership. This inclusivity underscores the Church’s efforts to bring communities together in shared worship and faith-building endeavors.

The History and Growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Auckland Community service remains a cornerstone of the Church’s mission. Recent projects, such as a cleanup of the Puhinui Stream and the extensive volunteer support provided after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, highlight the Church’s commitment to making a positive impact in the broader Auckland community. These initiatives demonstrate the Church’s dedication to service, unity and uplifting those in need.

Looking ahead, the Auckland New Zealand Temple symbolizes the Church’s enduring dedication to worship, education, and community. By embracing diversity and fostering a spirit of unity, the Church continues to strengthen its members and build bridges across cultural and linguistic divides. As members prepare for the temple’s dedication, they carry forward a legacy of faith and service, ensuring that the Church remains a beacon of hope and spiritual growth for generations to come.