Elder Dale G. Renlund, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, travelled to Hamilton, New Zealand on Thursday 23 February to tour the Church’s extensive redevelopment project in Temple View, and receive an update on the project’s progress.
Elder Renlund was accompanied by his wife Sister Ruth Renlund; Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, of the Presidency of the Seventy, with his wife Sister Diane Hallstrom; and presiding bishop of the Church, Bishop Gérald Caussé and is wife Sister Valérie Caussé.
Elder O. Vincent Haleck and Sister Peggy Haleck; Elder S. Gifford Nielsen and Sister Wendy Nielsen; Elder Craig A. Cardon and Sister Debbie Cardon; and director for temporal affairs in the Pacific Area, Brent Buckner, accompanied the visiting leaders.
Elder Renlund and the other leaders were briefed on the history of Temple View and the Church College of New Zealand. They received an update on the repurposing of the school campus (which closed in 2009) and development of surrounding land.
They learned that the combined stake centre and cultural events centre currently under construction, as well as other buildings, are on schedule.
A Pacific Church history museum and office space will soon be completed as part of the repair, remodelling and repurposing of former Church College buildings. An economic enhancement in form of a retail shopping area is also planned.
Other announced plans include homes for seniors and families, affordable housing options, and expansive open areas to include a family-friendly park.
The visitors learned first-hand of efforts underway to protect and preserve certain heritage buildings on site, and of details throughout the development that will honour the rich history of the former college, and celebrate the cultures of the Pacific.
With the completion of the first phase of the project approaching, planners reported they expect Temple View to noticeably transform over the next 90 days as landscaping, parks, walkways and roads are completed.
The presentation to Church leaders, given by Paul Coward, leader of the Temple View Project, included a report on how desired outcomes, outlined when the development was first conceived, are coming to fruition.
Those outcomes included, among others, enhancing and protecting the Hamilton New Zealand Temple environs, preserving and celebrating heritage, stimulating economic development, and implementing ecological improvements.
Following the Temple View progress briefing, those in attendance toured the soon-to-be completed museum—part of the Mendenhall Building repurposing— that will document the journeys of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout its history in the Pacific, and celebrate their cultures. The museum will be state-of-the-art with many impressive interactive experiences built-in for visitors to enjoy.
Elder Renlund and the other visitors have travelled from Salt Lake City, United States to meet with Church leaders, members and missionaries in Tonga, New Zealand and Australia. Bishop Caussé and Sister Caussé are also visiting French Polynesia.