News Story

Temple View Community Looks to the Future

“The feelings of many Temple View residents regarding possible development opportunities for the community are focussing on protecting the sanctity of the temple and its surrounds, and on blessing the lives of current and future generations,” according to Envision New Zealand team member Paul Coward.

Speaking after last Thursday’s [12 July 2012] community open day at the Matthew Cowley Building, he said that feedback he and fellow Envision New Zealand team members are receiving verbally and in writing is “very positive and extremely helpful.”

“Many are writing comments like, ‘Whatever happens, let’s get on with it,’” he says.  “There feels to be a growing level of trust and togetherness which is a solid foundation for us to build on.”

"We are working with the City and the local community to identify what are the best ways, over the longer term, to develop Church-owned land around the temple precinct in a manner that is economically, environmentally, socially and culturally sustainable.  Just as the Church did over 50 years ago on this very land, we are now looking at what is best for the next 50 years."

“Options we are exploring,” Paul Coward says, “would help us to preserve and display cultural heritage, stimulate economic development, develop opportunities for additional residential space, improve Church meetinghouse facilities, and enhance community resources. An educational component, and a recreational and camping facility on the Church-owned ‘Hamon’s Bush’ property are also being considered."

"We hope to be able to settle on the ‘sweet spot’ that is acceptable to many in the local community which meets the needs of other stake holders.”

"The people of this community love living here in the shadow of the temple, it is a very special place,” he says.  

“Temple View residents have raised children and grandchildren here.  Looking back, there are some tender feelings and wonderful memories in the hearts of the people; and looking forward, they want to continue building families and faith in positive ways."  

Those who could not attend the open day but who have a question or suggestion can write to EnvisionNZ@ldschurch.org. 

Future newsletters will be published to keep residents up to date.  Additional open days are also a possibility, according to interest.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.