If you've visited Westfield Manukau Mall or Rainbow’s End Amusement Park recently, you may have noticed a large stone building tucked next to the motorway.
This is the Auckland New Zealand Temple, which belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Members across the globe attend the local temple to worship and perform religious ordinances and is set to be dedicated this April. Once dedicated, only faithful members of the church will be allowed to enter.
However, they are hosting a free public open house, where the public is invited to tour the temple and its different rooms, learning about the purpose of the progressing rooms.
All members and friends of the community are warmly invited to attend from Thursday, February 27, through Saturday, March 22 this year, excluding Sundays.
Inside temples, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perform sacred religious ordinances.
When members take part in these ordinances, they show their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and receive blessings and direction from God. Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are places of peace, happiness, and service.
A few members of the Church in Auckland have discussed their gratefulness for a closer temple; by describing why they chose to attend their previously local temple, the Hamilton New Zealand Temple.
Elder John Tuitavake, a young adult service missionary in Onehunga has described worshipping in a temple as powerful, as he is able to see God’s higher power and love for everyone and feels inspired to share that love with the community through service.
Serving near the temple at the neighbouring building, the Missionary Training Center, has brought peace to him as he usually has his lunch breaks in front of the temple at its lookout points.
Amos Watene, the Church’s Pacific Area Production Manager from Torbay, says that while serving in the temple doesn’t always respond to all of life’s questions and challenges promptly, he says that he draws closer to God by worshipping inside, bringing him peace and a place of refuge, even amid his busiest weeks.
Elder Russell Walters, another young adult service missionary from Rosedale, has described the temple as a very visual way to continue to keep promises with God, which helps him to fully understand why he does that, which helps him to be the best he can be for himself, as well as to the people he serves in the community.
Through the temple, faithful members of the Church partake in sacred symbolic acts that help visualise God’s love for them.
Within the interior and exterior of the Auckland New Zealand Temple, you may be able to see intricate patterns and details.
These designs are of inspiration by Māori culture, as the Māori members and friends are what make the Church more sacred within Aotearoa.
For those who are interested in experiencing the comfort of the Auckland New Zealand Temple, visit the to book your spot, or to learn more about the month-long event.
(This is sponsored content. The Indian Weekender does not provide any editorial endorsement.)
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