"Since 1958, the Hamilton Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has served over 100,000 members of the church in New Zealand and the wider Pacific, but its doors have closed for three years, for much-needed renovations," Hamilton News reported on 18 August.
The article continued: "The church has taken the opportunity to upgrade and renovate the interior of the temple, while also making sure the building's seismic strengthening is up to standard. It will reopen in 2021.
"It was the first LDS temple in the southern hemisphere, where more than 1500 volunteers and labour missionaries helped construct it and on Wednesday, designs of the upgraded temple were revealed to church members.
"The designs included a new baptism chamber and sealing rooms for weddings.
"John Kendall, a member of the church, and also the temple's engineer said while it was sad that the temple would be closed for a period of time, it was refreshing to be able to upgrade the services."
Read the entire report at the Hamilton News.
Latter-day Saint couples may still decide to marry civilly in any of the faith's New Zealand chapels or meetinghouses over the next three years. However, those who wish to marry in a temple will need to travel to one of the Pacific islands, Australia or elsewhere.
Latter-day Saints believe that a temple marriage opens the door for a couple and their family to be together for eternity.
Read more about temple marriage here.
Watch a general introduction to temples here: