Auckland New Zealand Temple
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Photo: Jeff Marble
Landscaping the Grounds of the Auckland New Zealand Temple
A fresh layer of asphalt has been paved in the parking areas around the Auckland New Zealand Temple. On the beautiful grounds next to the temple, grass sod has been laid and numerous trees and shrubs have been planted. Scaffolding remains around the steeple frame where crews are securing the final pieces of stone cladding to the exterior of the structure. Construction has been underway for almost 4 years.
Photo: Mark Stoddard
First President and Matron Called of the Auckland New Zealand Temple
Brother Selesi’utele Ti’asi’utele Lavea and Sister Camellia Ligaliga Lavea have been called as the first president and matron of the Auckland New Zealand Temple. President Lavea was born in Samoa and has served as a bishopric counselor, high councilor, stake president, and temple presidency counselor. He is currently a temple sealer. Sister Lavea was also born in Samoa and has served as a Relief Society presidency counselor, Young Women president, stake Primary president, and assistant to the matron. She currently serves as a temple ordinance worker.
Photo: Amy Camp
Installing Stained Glass in the Auckland New Zealand Temple
The installation of stained glass in the Auckland New Zealand Temple is underway. The majority of the building has been clad in stone with the exception of the steeple. New Zealand currently has one temple in operation, the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, which was dedicated in 1958 and rededicated in 2022, following a four-year renovation. A site location in Porirua, near Wellington, has been announced for New Zealand's third temple—the Wellington New Zealand Temple.
Photo: Noa Leka Jr.
A View of the Auckland New Zealand Temple from Great South Road
The Auckland New Zealand Temple is an impressive sight from Great South Road, which lies about a quarter of a mile (400 meters) to the east. Stone cladding is steadily moving up the west face of the temple toward the base of the steeple. Stained-glass windows have been shipped and will be installed in the coming weeks. The temple stands on a hill between a stake center and the New Zealand Missionary Training Center.
Photo: Cyntia Silva
Cladding the Upper Structures of the Auckland New Zealand Temple
Stone panel cladding has reached the upper structures of the beautiful Auckland New Zealand Temple. The city has a long history with the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Missionaries first arrived in the city in October 1854 from the early Church's South Pacific headquarters in Australia. In 1874, the Church moved its base from Sydney to Auckland. And by 1958, the first temple in the Southern Hemisphere was dedicated in Hamilton, New Zealand. The Auckland temple will be the country's second.
Photo: Amataga Tiafala
Stone Cladding of the Auckland New Zealand Temple Resumes
Crews at the Auckland New Zealand Temple have resumed the installation of stone cladding on the exterior. The stone is moving up the facade of the building where it has reached the height of the top of the windows. Church members in Auckland are organized into 13 stakes and currently participate in temple ordinances at the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, about an hour-and-a-half drive to the south.
Photo: Lua Matealona
Auckland New Zealand Temple Passes the Three-Year Mark
The Auckland New Zealand Temple gracefully points heavenward from its striking location on a rise overlooking State Highway 1, the principal and longest highway in New Zealand's road network—running the length of both main islands. Some advancements have been made on cladding the exterior of the structure, which has been under construction for over three years.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder and Sister Christofferson Visit the Auckland New Zealand Temple
The beautiful city of Auckland was the final stop on a ministering assignment given to Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who had been to six cities in New Zealand and Australia. He invited the members to prepare for the dedication of the Auckland New Zealand Temple by becoming more holy and Christlike. He encouraged them to ask themselves, "What could I do that would make me a holier person, a better offering and gift of myself to present to the Lord on that day of the dedication?"
Photo: Renee Ahuna Cabrinha
Auckland New Zealand Temple Steeple Frame Completed
Framing for the steeple of the Auckland New Zealand Temple has been completed. The lower framework assembly was installed about a year ago, and the upper assembly went up several months later. Scaffolding remained around the steeple until recently when additional steel was secured to the lower assembly where windows will be installed. Stone cladding is making its way up the pilasters on the north side of the temple.
Photo: Sadey Lyn Speelmon
Meauring Up to the Auckland New Zealand Temple
The Auckland New Zealand Temple rises tall over South Auckland, a city that is home to the tallest freestanding structure in New Zealand and the second tallest in the Southern Hemisphere: Sky Tower. The observation and telecommunications tower was completed in 1997 and stands 1,076 feet (328 meters) tall. Cladding of the temple exterior has been stalled for a few months, but work progresses on the interior.
Photo: Tainui Photo
Bringing More Good to South Auckland's Goodwood Heights
The rising sun casts light on the Auckland New Zealand Temple and its bordering hillsides. The impressive edifice stands on a ridge in the Goodwood Heights neighborhood, making it visible from many parts of South Auckland. Construction of the temple began two-and-a-half years ago, and it is currently in the exterior cladding phase. The building has been enclosed for interior work.
Photo: Olivia Tonas
Stone Cladding of the Auckland New Zealand Temple Progressing
Stone cladding of the Auckland New Zealand Temple is progressing at the southeast corner of the building as seen from the Missionary Training Centre. The temple is the second to be constructed in New Zealand with the first being the Hamilton New Zealand Temple. That temple closed for renovation in 2018 after 60 years of service and will be rededicated this Sunday. A third temple has been announced for Wellington, the nation's capital city.
Photo: Ra Seymour
Exterior of Auckland New Zealand Temple Taking Shape
A stake conference was held last weekend for the Auckland New Zealand Redoubt Stake, headquartered in the stake center next to the Auckland New Zealand Temple. Due to the continued construction, members attending the Sunday session at the stake center were dropped off or taken by shuttle from a nearby meetinghouse. The stake presidency was reorganized in a beautiful meeting.
Photo: Cecilia Halamehi Haangana VakautakakalaTaulango
Spire Frame Installed on the Auckland New Zealand Temple
The spire frame for the Auckland New Zealand Temple has been installed on top of the frame for the steeple body, bringing the building to its full height. The multitiered spire will be clad in fluted stone—giving a waterfall-like appearance—and terminate in a golden finial. Most of the exterior has been sheathed, and some stone cladding has begun. Framing and utility rough-ins are underway on the interior.
Photo: Cerian Chadderton
An Aerial Perspective on the Auckland New Zealand Temple
Construction of the Auckland New Zealand Temple is an impressive sight in the "City of Sails." It sits directly east of Manukau Harbour and the Auckland Airport. Auckland was once the capital of New Zealand from 1842–1865, but Wellington claimed the title due to the arduous journey for government officials coming from the south. A temple was announced for Wellington nearly three months ago in General Conference.
Photo: Lino Sanft
Auckland New Zealand Temple Looms Like a Great Fortress
The Auckland New Zealand Temple towers above the Auckland Southern Motorway like a mighty fortress. The Church-owned complex is adjacent to St Johns Redoubt (1863)—a historic fort that was used to guard against the threat of attack during the Waikato War and to protect the supply line to the Waikato along the Great South Road. The historic reserve is one of few remaining military sites from the Waikato campaign of the New Zealand Wars and is a legally protected heritage site.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder and Sister Soares Visit the Temples in New Zealand
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Rosana Soares, have recently returned from a ministering visit to New Zealand. On Sunday, May 22, Elder and Sister Soares and their party visited the construction site of the Auckland New Zealand Temple, located next to the Missionary Training Centre. They saw the recently delivered cornerstone and the construction progress. The next day was a tour of the Matthew Cowley Pacific Church History Centre and a visit to the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, which closed for renovations in 2018 and will be rededicated on Sunday, October 16, by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Read the news release.
Photo: Brett Stirling
Stone Cladding of the Auckland New Zealand Temple Begins
Work has begun on a stone course along the base of the Auckland New Zealand Temple. A decorative course of carved stone will sit on top of the base course, and the main body will be clad in stone panels placed in a traditional running bond pattern. The first windows and fluted metal panels have also been installed at the northeast corner of the building. The temple will be the second for the country of New Zealand with a third having recently been announced for the capital city of Wellington.
Photo: Farrah A Otuafi
Steeple Frame Installed on the Auckland New Zealand Temple
The steeple frame has been installed on the west end of the Auckland New Zealand Temple. The tall columnar structure will support the multiple tiers and gold finial planned for the fountain-like steeple. Sheathing of the main body of the building has begun, and interior framing continues. The temple stands on a prominent hill between a stake center and a missionary training center.
Photo: Farrah A Otuafi
Steeple Framing Begins for the Auckland New Zealand Temple
Construction of the Auckland New Zealand Temple is moving forward again, following a major lockdown for the Auckland region that began in mid-August and fully lifted in early December. The platform for the steeple pedestal has been installed, and the first signs of framing for the steeple are now visible. A raised section over the rear side of the building will accommodate the extra tall ceilings of the Celestial Room.
Photo: Harai Sanelivi-Smith
Auckland New Zealand Temple Rises Above the Southern Motorway
Billowing clouds float above the Auckland New Zealand Temple as seen from across the Auckland Southern Motorway at the parking lot of a local restaurant. From this vantage point, onlookers will see the beautiful arched stained-glass windows running down the front facade of the temple. Heavy framing of the building will soon turn to light framing on the exterior and interior.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Pacific Area Presidency Visits the Auckland New Zealand Temple
Elder Ian S. Ardern, Elder K. Brett Nattress, and Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita of the Pacific Area presidency visited the Auckland New Zealand Temple site this weekend. In conjunction with the visit, Elder Ardern released a message of hope and peace through Christ. He began, "When we read of a beacon upon the top of a mountain and an ensign on an hill (Isaiah 30:17), many will see the parallel with the Auckland New Zealand Temple." He later gives an update on the construction saying, "The steel structure is well underway, and the purpose-designed stone cladding is beginning to arrive on site where it will be stored before being fitted. Soon enough, the steel structure to the spire will reach heavenward as a reminder to all to look heavenward in times of trouble and peace."
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Heavy Framing Progressing for the Auckland New Zealand Temple
A Church news release published on Wednesday provides a brief update on the construction of the Auckland New Zealand Temple and the renovation of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple. Heavy framing continues for the temple in Auckland, which is anticipated to be completed in 2024. Renovation of the temple in Hamilton is in the final stages, and members are awaiting an announcement from the First Presidency on the dates for the public open house and rededication. The article mentions five other temples in the Pacific region for which construction is pending: the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple, the Port Vila Vanuatu Temple, the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple, the Tarawa Kiribati Temple, and the Neiafu Tonga Temple.
Photo: Heber Gasu
Structural Framing Progressing for the Auckland New Zealand Temple
Steel framing is being erected for the Auckland New Zealand Temple and connected to the concrete shear walls that were previously installed. The temple sits on an incredible hillside location at the junction of two major highways, directly east of the Auckland Airport. The temple is flanked by a stake center and missionary training center and bordered by the St Johns Redoubt Historic Reserve. The breathtaking views from the temple site stretch across South Auckland toward Manukau Harbor.
Photo: Joshua Flood
Auckland New Zealand Temple Elevator Shaft Completed
Construction of the Auckland New Zealand Temple is making headway. Scaffolding has been removed from the elevator shaft that sits near the center of the building, and structural steel framing is joining the concrete shear walls to frame the body of the building. Construction can be observed from the stake center that sits north of the temple.
Photo: R Smith
Shear Walls Poured for the Auckland New Zealand Temple
Reinforced concrete shear walls have been poured and cured for the Auckland New Zealand Temple. The walls are designed to strengthen the temple's resistance to high winds and earthquakes. Its elevated location will also reduce the chance of flooding. New Zealand was recently placed under a tsunami warning when a major 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck about 600 miles northeast of the island two weeks ago. The warning was later downgraded to an advisory.
Photo: Rob McKay
Foundation Work for the Auckland New Zealand Temple Underway
The reinforced concrete piers have been uncovered at the Auckland New Zealand Temple site and will soon support the foundation for the building. The piers were installed early this year during the preliminary construction phase and then covered with white sleeves for the groundbreaking ceremony. The site has been excavated on the rear side for the baptistry. Crews are currently setting the forms for the foundation.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Watch the Auckland New Zealand Temple Groundbreaking Ceremony
The video broadcast for the Auckland New Zealand Temple groundbreaking ceremony is now available online. Ground was broken for the temple on Saturday, June 13, with a limited number of participants to comply with government guidelines. The temple is the second to constructed in the country. The first, the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, is currently undergoing a major renovation and is expected to reopen next year. It was the first temple built in the Southern Hemisphere.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Groundbreaking Held for the Auckland New Zealand Temple
"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 this morning's groundbreaking ceremony. 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, "[W]e 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."
Photo: Google
Groundbreaking Broadcast for the Auckland New Zealand Temple
The Pacific Area Presidency has 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."