Community Building in Whangārei New Zealand

Seven-year-old, Lucy Goodfellow, and her aunt, Sariah Hann, struck a chord with guests at a recent open house for the renovated Whangarei Stake Centre of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A stake is a group of Latter-day Saint congregations.

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They sang “I am a child of God,” a well-known Latter-day Saint children’s song. The lyrics pointed to the universal brotherhood and sisterhood of everyone in attendance.

At the welcoming event, Stake President Ronald Reti thanked city officials and neighbours for their support and friendship to the Church.

“The relationships and friendships that have been formed will continue beyond today,” he said.

President Reti expressed how important it is for the Church to be a good neighbour and its members to be welcoming members of the Whangārei community.

Dr. Te Tuhi Robust, Senior Lecturer at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Northland, New Zealand, offered a karakia (prayer) during the gathering.

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Special guests included Whangārei District Mayor, Vince Cocurullo; Deputy Mayor, Phil Halse; District councilor, Carol Peters, and other guests.

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Guests were given guided tours of the building by Stake President Ronald Reti, Communication Director, Alison Thompson, and other local Church leaders.

The building was dedicated for use by Church congregations on 23 August. Special guest at the dedication was Shane Reti, a member of the New Zealand Parliament. The newly constructed building is the meeting place for the Riverside, Denby, and Ngahere wards (congregations).