A day-long symposium was held in Hamilton, New Zealand 8 November 2014 to honour early Maori leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Over 200 people were in attendance, including many Latter-day Saint labour missionaries and former students of Church College of New Zealand.
The symposium, which was organized by Waikato University, also marked the 160th anniversary of the arrival of the first Latter-day Saint missionaries in New Zealand and the 125th anniversary of the first translation of the Book of Mormon into the Maori language.
Prominent Maori leader, Professor Whatarangi Winiata, gave the keynote address entitled "Maori Leadership and Spirituality."
The symposium also included a discussion of a new book,Turning the Hearts of the Children: Early Maori Leaders in the Mormon Church, edited by Dr Selwyn Katene of Massey University. Each of the twelve chapters was written by a descendant of an early Maori Latter-day Saint leader.
- Maori women at Hui Tau, Waikato - early 1900's
- Maori Conference November 2014
- Maori Family
- Elder Glen L. Rudd Temple View, New Zealand 9 February 2014
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Dr Katene stated, “Maori church leaders’ experiences and character-building and faith-promoting stories should be documented and shared to uplift and inspire those in need. As peoples’ memories fade by the day, today’s generation is a vital link in remembering the legacy of our tupunas’ (ancestors) and ensuring the futures of our tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren).”
Two sessions were held where contributors to the book and current Maori leaders discussed achievements, both past and present, challenges, and the future of Maori and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The first session was directed by Rosana Whaanga, whose ancestor Raihi Ngawaka was the last ruling wahine rangatira (woman chief) of the Ngati Rehua tribe of Great Barrier Island. This session focused on three Ngati Kahunggunu men: Stuart Meha, Whatahoro Jury and Hirini Whaanga.
Historian, Dr Nepia Mahuika, who chaired the final session, concluded, “This symposium provided a vital space, in which Maori members of the Church, especially women, could contemplate the importance of being Maori, the blessing of speaking Maori, and understanding the Church through Maori eyes.”
The New Zealand Church History Centre, under the direction of Elder Randy Olsen, displayed photographs and memorabilia showcasing the lives of Maori pioneers.
Whitney Hippolite, a masters student at Waikato University and great-great granddaughter of Wetekia Elkington, said, “It’s been an eye-opener to see how so many people have come together to learn our history, and remember the achievements of our early Maori leaders and to see the calibre of present Maori leadership. Our tupuna challenged the status quo, role modelled the right behaviours and inspired a shared vision for all of us younger ones to follow.”
Guest Newsroom contributor: Mel Whaanga, New Zealand Church History Adviser for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints