Groundbreaking held for Wellington New Zealand Temple serving growing Latter-day Saint community

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has begun construction on its third temple in New Zealand, following a groundbreaking ceremony held on August 2, 2025, in Porirua. The event marks the start of work on the Wellington New Zealand Temple, which will serve nearly 120,000 Latter-day Saints across the country.

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, General Authority Seventy and First Counselor in the Church’s Pacific Area Presidency, presided over the ceremony. He was joined by his wife, Sister Anita Wakolo; Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Margaret Parata, a local church member from Wellington. More than 500 church members from around New Zealand attended alongside government, community, and faith leaders from the area.

During the dedicatory prayer at the event, Elder Wakolo said: “not only as a symbol of our membership in the Church, but as a sign of our faith in life after death and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families.” He also expressed gratitude for religious freedoms in New Zealand and prayed for wisdom for national leaders to maintain peace and stability: “wisdom to protect this land as a haven of peace, with political and economic stability for all.”

Elder Wakolo referred to historical milestones for Latter-day Saints in New Zealand such as the first convert baptism at Karori Stream in 1854. Dr. Taku Parai of the Porirua Stake spoke about early missionaries and converts: “What we will see and witness from this day forth is a mighty change in our communities and our cities,” he said. “As we live the gospel, keep the faith and dedicate ourselves to the work of the Lord, blessings will abound.”

Several members shared personal reflections during the ceremony. Waimarino Ruwhiru encouraged young people to prepare themselves now for future temple participation by making good choices. Malama Slade shared her experience with temple blessings: “every child of God deserves to know the same joy that fills my heart.”

Church President Russell M. Nelson announced plans for this temple during April 2022 general conference. The new building will be located on three wooded acres overlooking a lagoon and will include arrival facilities and patron housing.

Bayden Barber, Chairman of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, commented on behalf of Māori Iwi: "Ngāti Kahungunu has a rich history in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with many strongholds throughout our rohe in places like Māhia and Nuhaka, Hastings, Bridge Pā, Te Hauke, Dannevirke and Masterton.  Many of our parents, grandparents and tipuna sacrificed much to build the Hamilton Temple, Church College and the many chapels around the motu.  Having a Temple in Porirua is a huge achievement and will bring the Temple blessings closer to our iwi of the East Coast, Lower North Island and Te Waipounamu” – Bayden Barber.

Porirua City Mayor Anita Baker also posted about her attendance at the event.