Members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered in Kaikohe on 4-5 May to discuss matters of cultural and spiritual importance to many Māori and other interested persons.
“The May Wananga [gathering] saw people flock to Kohewhata Marae in Kaikohe,” local Latter-day Saint leader, Shane Wikaira said.
“Those in attendance were able to see, hear and feel truth about the ancestry of the Maori people and the divine heritage of all of God’s children.”
Church members and friends attended the weekend event along with local missionaries and the Auckland Mission President, James Alan Walker, and his wife, Harumi.
Opotiki Latter-day Saint Branch President, Selwyn H. Jones, shared Polynesian cultural information and similarities between Polynesian peoples.
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Bronwyn-Anne Wikaira said “the Friday night session was inspiring. Learning of the common traditions we have with our fellow Polynesian cultures and where they originated was heartwarming for me.”
During her remarks Te Moengarau Kahura noted that “we need to know who we are.”
The next Tuia Mai Wananga will take place 3-5 August 2018 at Otiria Marae, Moerewa, Northland.
Mormons believe that everyone has a divine heritage. Church leader, President Boyd K. Packer’s words are plain and precious: “You are a child of God. He is the father of your spirit. Spiritually you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven."