A fire in the early hours of Sunday morning 12 October 2025 significantly damaged a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Te Hauke, near Hastings, in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. Fire fighters controlled the blaze, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Local congregation leaders and members are devastated that their meetinghouse has been damaged but are making alternative arrangements for worship services.
Later that day, on Sunday evening, another fire at a Church meetinghouse, in Mont-Dore, New Caledonia, left significant damage. There were no reported injuries. Local Church leaders are supporting investigations by authorities as well as providing love and support to members of the Church in New Caledonia.
Elder Peter F. Meurs, Pacific Area President of the Church, said, “Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joyfully worship in meetinghouses across the Pacific and the world, deepening faith in Jesus Christ, fellowshipping with others, and organising service to communities in which they live. These sacred spaces are places of gathering, singing, praying, and inspiration for over 600,000 members of the Church in the Pacific Area.
“Where there has been damage to meetinghouses, Church leaders will look at ways to help members and friends of the Church to have a place to gather for worship and fellowship, continuing to strive to follow Jesus Christ, raise strong and united families, and continue to be good citizens and neighbours.”