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Hamilton New Zealand Temple

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In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a temple is a building dedicated to be a House of the Lord. Temples are considered by church members to be the most sacred structures on earth.

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66-734: The Hamilton New Zealand Temple (also known as the Hamilton Waikato Temple and formerly as the New Zealand Temple ) is the 13th constructed and 11th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . The intent to build the temple was announced on February 17, 1955, by church president David O. McKay during a meeting of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles . With its completion in 1958, it

132-452: A controversial race-based policy . As of 2023 , all temple ordinances are unavailable to lesbian , gay , or bisexual persons who are in a same-sex marriage or homosexual sexual relationship, and to all transgender individuals who are transitioning or have transitioned. These restrictions have also garnered criticism from both outside, and inside the LDS church. To qualify for

198-433: A conversation with Woodruff, Logan Temple president Marriner W. Merrill stated that the contemplated public announcement prohibiting additional polygamist unions was "the only way to retain the possession of our temples and continue the ordinance work for the living and dead which was considered of more importance than continuing the practice of plural marriage for the present." Latter-day Saint temple building halted until

264-536: A desire to continue the ordinance work in temples was a significant consideration preceding Wilford Woodruff's decision (announced in his Manifesto of September 1890 ) that the church would discontinue its practice of polygamy . In 1887 the US Congress passed the Edmunds–Tucker Act , which disincorporated the church and directed federal officials to begin seizing its assets, potentially including its temples. After

330-473: A global scale, church leaders announced an end to the one-year waiting period in most cases, except in relation to converts to the church, who are still required to wait a year after their own confirmation before entering the temple. Edward O. Anderson Edward Oliver Anderson (May 16, 1891 – August 9, 1977) was an American architect based in Salt Lake City, Utah . He was a church architect for

396-557: A secondary school for students aged twelve to eighteen. The temple is 44,212 square feet (4,107.4 m), has two instruction rooms used for the endowment ceremony , three sealing rooms , and a baptistry with a baptismal font (used for baptisms for the dead ). The spire rises to a height of 157 feet (48 m). The temple was built entirely by church labour missionaries who volunteered all of their time. Local members supported these workers with money, food, and lodging. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on December 21, 1955, marking

462-591: A soft green shade. This carpeting is supplied from a company in California . In specific areas, the carpets are nylon-cut pile broadloom in a soft cream hue. Wool area rugs are used in the lobby and bride’s room. The flooring throughout the building is composed of Butter Silk, a light yellowish cream limestone quarried in Palestine . During the renovation, historic murals in the baptistry and celestial room were restored. The baptistry mural, painted by Paul Forster in 1957, and

528-522: A stylized silver fern. Most walls are covered with durable vinyl, with simple textures in creamy and gold colors. In the instruction rooms, the walls feature a stylized fern-like pattern inspired by local Māori designs. These wall coverings are standard products from mills in the United States. The celestial room's walls retain a historic mural, untouched during the renovation. The ceilings are predominantly painted gypsum board on steel framing, reflecting

594-654: A temple for the use of the Norwegian Latter Day Saints. Meanwhile, Young urged the Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo to redouble their efforts to finish the temple. By the end of 1845, the building was sufficiently finished to allow temple ordinances to be performed. Ordinances continued to be performed in early 1846 as the Mormons were forced to abandon the city. A small crew remained in the city and continued to work on

660-631: A temple recommend, an LDS Church member must faithfully answer the following questions which affirm the individual's adherence to essential church doctrine: A list of questions were first introduced in 1857 and used to qualify whether an individual could enter the Endowment House , before the first temple in Utah was built. They reflected the context of the times, including questions about ones belief in polygamy, branding an animal that one did not own, and using another person's irrigation water. Since then,

726-443: A temple, only church members in good standing who have a valid temple recommend are permitted to attend the ceremony. In many nations outside the United States, a civil ceremony, where required by the law of the land, has been immediately followed by a temple sealing. In the United States, a one-year waiting period between the civil ceremony and a temple sealing was required until 2019. In May 2019, to standardize sealing policies on

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792-400: Is a process which culminates in the participation by the couple in a ritual called the sealing ordinance; which involves pronouncing the couple as having a permanent marriage bond which persists even beyond death. This ceremony, among others, is taught as being vital to an individual's and family's exaltation status, following the final judgment . With the sealing ordinance being held inside

858-427: Is responsible for the administration of temple operations and spiritual guidance for both temple patrons and staff. The first temple president was Erick A. Rosenvall, who served from 1958 to 1961. As of 2023, Lindsay T. Dil is the current president. Prior to its dedication in 1958, the temple was open to the public during an open house, allowing individuals of all faiths to see the temple's architecture and learn about

924-578: The Bible and the Book of Mormon , which provide church members with deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. These symbols include the central spire and baptismal font. In the temple, baptismal fonts rest on the back of 12 oxen. To members of the church, this symbolizes the twelve tribes of Israel . The baptismal font is an original feature of the temple. It was made in Switzerland using molds from

990-620: The Swiss Temple . As part of this project, Anderson designed and supervised the construction of a one-twelfth scale model of a room where a film of the temple ordinances could be presented to overcome the fact that there would be patrons at the Swiss Temple speaking at least ten languages. Aside from the Swiss Temple, Anderson designed the Los Angeles California Temple , London England Temple , and Hamilton New Zealand Temple . Of

1056-638: The Tabernacle was considered a "portable temple" by the children of Israel in the Old Testament. The first Latter-day Saint temple ceremonies were performed in Kirtland, Ohio , but differed significantly from the endowment performed on the second floor of Joseph Smith 's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois, and the Nauvoo Temple . Kirtland ordinances included washings and anointings (differing in many ways from

1122-506: The president of the New Zealand Mission , Ariel S. Ballif, conducting. The temple was announced by David O. McKay on February 17, 1955. The site for the temple was originally identified by Wendell B. Mendenhall , who had been given the assignment by McKay to do so. When McKay later visited New Zealand, he determined the site was suitable to build a temple. The temple is on 86 acres (350,000 m), which also included CCNZ, formerly

1188-576: The succession crisis , Brigham Young assumed control of the church's headquarters at Nauvoo, Illinois. While he and the rest of the Quorum of the Twelve made contingency plans for abandoning the city, he may have hoped that it would not prove necessary. For example, in early 1845, Young convened a conference at the Norwegian colony at Norway, Illinois , and announced a plan to build a Latter-day Saint town there with

1254-642: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Anderson began his education at Brigham Young High School in 1910, and then the University of Utah from 1914 to 1915. He left Utah to study architecture at Carnegie Tech from 1919 to 1922. While in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , he worked as a draftsman for architects Edward B. Lee and Alden & Harlow . In 1924 he returned to Utah and trained with Cannon & Fetzer and Pope & Burton before starting his own firm. From about 1928 to 1936, Anderson

1320-457: The City of Zion plan and designated four of these to contain temples: Salt Lake City (1847), St. George (1871), Manti (1875), and Logan (1877). The St. George Temple was the first to be completed in 1877, followed by Logan (1884) and Manti (1888). The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to complete because of various setbacks and delays. It was dedicated in 1893. In the late 1880s and in 1890,

1386-761: The First Presidency also dedicated a number of temples during Monson's administration. As of October 2018, Monson's successor, Russell M. Nelson , has dedicated the Concepción Chile Temple . The LDS Church has 367 temples in various phases, which includes 201 dedicated temples (192 operating and 9 previously-dedicated, but closed for renovation ), 3 scheduled for dedication , 48 under construction , 1 scheduled for groundbreaking , and 114 others announced (not yet under construction). It has been suggested that recent temple construction represents an attempt by church leadership to “re-energize” congregations in

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1452-627: The Swiss Temple. Surrounding the font are bronze railings with glass panels for the stairs that lead to the font. Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations to preserve its structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal. On 19 January 2018, the church announced that in July 2018, the temple would close for renovations that were anticipated to be completed in 2021. The temple's renovations focused on several key areas, including seismic strengthening and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical upgrades. A new roof

1518-893: The Temple View Christmas Lights. The temple grounds include many lights, accompanied by choirs singing Christmas hymns. In response to the growing need for educational opportunities, the church established two schools in New Zealand during the 20th century. The Māori Agricultural College near Hastings was operational from 1913 until 1931 when it was destroyed by an earthquake. Following World War II, plans were made to build another school near Hamilton. Due to limited building materials and skilled labor, church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, offered assistance, providing materials, equipment, and experienced construction managers. New Zealand Latter-day Saints, approximately 12,000 at

1584-539: The celestial room mural by Dale Jolley in 1993, were both restored. These murals incorporate patterns inspired by local Māori designs. The lighting fixtures in the temple feature a blend of metal, opal glass , or crystal, designed in a clean mid-century style . The millwork and casework in Victorian Oak with a slightly tinted stain were crafted and installed by a local company in Hamilton. Door hardware patterns feature

1650-427: The church announced that a public open house would be held from August 26, 2022 to September 17, 2022 (excluding Sundays). The temple was rededicated on October 16, 2022 by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Temple (LDS Church) Upon completion, temples are usually open to the public for a short period of time (an "open house"). During the open house, the church conducts tours of the temple with missionaries and members from

1716-419: The church must be performed. The LDS Church has 367 temples in various phases, which includes 201 dedicated temples (192 operating and 9 previously-dedicated, but closed for renovation ), 3 scheduled for dedication , 48 under construction , 1 scheduled for groundbreaking , and 114 others announced (not yet under construction). There are temples in many U.S. states, as well as in many countries across

1782-555: The commencement of construction. This ceremony was conducted by Ariel S. Ballif and attended by local church members and community leaders. Hugh B. Brown , then an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles , placed the ceremonial cornerstone of the temple on December 22, 1956. During the construction phase, the temple faced various challenges, including material shortages due to World War II . During construction, excessive rain caused flooding and slowed progress. Despite these challenges,

1848-406: The condition of exaltation after the final judgment . They are also taught that a vast number of dead souls exist in a condition termed as spirit prison , and that a dead individual upon whom the temple ordinances are completed will have a chance to be freed of this imprisoning condition. In this framework ordinances are said to be completed on behalf of either the participant, or a dead individual

1914-632: The dead , washing and anointing (or "initiatory" ordinances), the endowment , and eternal marriage sealings . Ordinances are a vital part of the theology of the church, which teaches that they were practiced by the Lord's covenant people in all dispensations . Latter-day Saints cite various Old Testament references to temple ordinances such as those found in Exodus 29:4–9 , Exodus 28:2–43 and Leviticus 8:6–13 . The words "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" can be found on LDS temples as referenced in Exodus 28:36 . Likewise

1980-420: The dead. The initiatory, endowment, and sealing ceremonies are today performed only within a temple. The sealing ordinance can be performed on behalf of dead couples; so long as the two living participants are of opposite sex they need not be married. It is also performed on behalf of living couples who wish to be legally married. In this manner, the ordinance is typically performed as a celestial marriage , with

2046-450: The design and functionality of the temple. A public open house was held from August 26 to September 17, 2022 (excluding Sundays). During the four-week open house, more than 55,000 guests toured the renovated temple. The renovated temple was rededicated on October 16, 2022 by Dieter F. Uchtdorf . Cultural and community impact The temple and its surrounding grounds often serve as a gathering place for various community events, including

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2112-587: The endowment rather than live actors. Joseph Fielding Smith dedicated a temple in Ogden, Utah , and Harold B. Lee dedicated its twin in Provo, Utah . Spencer W. Kimball began a plan to build many more smaller temples according to standardized plans. Twenty-one temples were dedicated during his presidency, including the tiny Papeete Tahiti Temple —which has a floorspace of less than 10,000 square feet (900 m ). This trend has continued. Nine additional temples were dedicated in

2178-498: The face of flat numerical growth. Most temples are built facing east, the direction from which Jesus Christ is prophesied to return. The spires and towers on the east end of multi-spired temples are elevated higher than spires and towers on the west side for this same reason, and to represent the Melchizedek, or higher, priesthood. Some temples, such as Salt Lake , Chicago , and Washington D.C. , have triple spires on each side of

2244-512: The first members of Smith's Quorum of the Anointed , or Holy Order, as it was also known, were made on May 3, 1842. The walls of the second level of the Red Brick Store were painted with garden-themed murals, the rooms fitted with carpets, potted plants, and a veil hung from the ceiling. All the while, the ground level continued to operate as Smith's general mercantile. After the early events of

2310-677: The four temples that Anderson designed, all have a single spire design. He was connected also with the mid-20th century remodelings of the Salt Lake Temple , the Manti Utah Temple , and the St. George Utah Temple . Anderson was born in Richfield, Utah . While at the University of Utah, Anderson became friends with Millard F. Malin , who later became the artist that Anderson used for sculpting parts of

2376-453: The growing Latter-day Saint population in the region. Subsequently, at a national conference, 4,000 church members expressed support for adding a temple to the ongoing construction project. McKay returned to New Zealand in 1958 to dedicate the temple. In 2019, Russell M. Nelson announced the location for a new temple in Auckland —the second temple in the country. In April 2022, Nelson announced

2442-424: The historicity of the original temple. In sacred areas, decorative paint patterns or simple gold linework with plaster moldings are present around the perimeter. The temple includes two ordinance rooms, five sealing rooms, and one baptistry. Symbolic elements are integrated into the design, providing deeper meaning to the temple's function and aesthetics. Incorporated into the design are symbolic elements representing

2508-460: The idea the marriage bond lasts after their death, or for "time and all eternity". A "time only" modification can be made to the ordinance, such as when the surviving widow of a celestial marriage wishes to legally remarry. In addition to the ordinances listed above, 19th-century temples were host to other ordinances that are no longer practiced such as the baptism for health and baptism for renewal of covenants. In 1922, Heber J. Grant discontinued

2574-415: The interior layout and furnishings. The reconfiguration provides better flow and efficiency. Many of the historic murals were restored. The new designs reflect the craftsmanship of the temple's original builders and the heritage of the local Māori culture. Other features include oak millwork from Hamilton, New Zealand craftspeople and decorative painting derived from local Māori patterns. These changes enhanced

2640-480: The labour missionaries were able to complete the temple on time. The temple was open for public tours for 23 days prior to the dedication, during which about 112,500 people toured the building. The New Zealand Temple was dedicated by David O. McKay on April 20, 1958. The temple serves Latter-day Saints in New Zealand and New Caledonia . According to local legends, the Māori King Tāwhiao accurately predicted

2706-434: The landscaping features large lawns, gardens, and paved concrete masonry pavers . A steel and masonry fencing outlines the site perimeter. These elements are designed to provide a tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere. The structure stands three stories tall, constructed with painted concrete and an acid-etched glazing. The exterior is characterized by its single spire and modern design. The blocks used to build

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2772-435: The local area serving as tour guides, and all rooms of the temple are open to the public. The temple is then dedicated as a "House of the Lord", after which only members who are deemed "temple-worthy" by their congregational leaders are permitted entrance. Temples are not churches or Meetinghouses designated for public weekly worship services, but rather are places of worship open only to the faithful where certain rites of

2838-528: The location for a new temple in Wellington —the third temple in the country. Notable presidents of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple include Glen L. Rudd (1984–87), Douglas J. Martin (1992–95), and Sidney M. Going (2013–2016). Since its dedication in 1958, the temple has been overseen by a series of temple presidents , each serving for a term of approximately three years. A temple president

2904-568: The modern portion) and the washing of the feet ordinance. For nearly four years, beginning in 1842, Smith's Red Brick Store functioned as a de facto temple—the site of the first washings, anointings, endowments, and sealings. In contrast, the grand edifice known as the Nauvoo Temple was in operation for only two months before the Latter Day Saints left Illinois for the West. Preparations to initiate

2970-639: The planning phase. The temple has modernist geometry and kōwhaiwhai patterning with design elements specific to Maori and other Polynesian cultures. This temple’s construction was overseen by George R. Beisinger, who supervised the church’s building program throughout the South Pacific, including the Church College of New Zealand (CCNZ), and other buildings in Temple View. A groundbreaking ceremony and site dedication were held on December 21, 1955, with

3036-480: The practice of baptisms for health in the church. The second anointing is a rare, but currently practiced ordinance for live participants, and (less commonly) vicariously for deceased individuals, though, it is usually only given in absolute secrecy to a small number of members after a lifetime of service. The LDS Church booklet " Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple " explains that Latter-day Saints "do not discuss

3102-400: The practices and beliefs of the faith. Temples are a central place of worship and spiritual ceremonies for church members. Like all temples of the church, the temple is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship. On April 11, 2022,

3168-629: The presidency of Ezra Taft Benson and two in the brief presidency of Howard W. Hunter . Under church president Gordon B. Hinckley , the church dedicated 77 temples. In 1997, Hinckley introduced a standardized, smaller temple plan designed to bring temple services to smaller or remote congregations at a reduced cost. The first of this new generation of temples was completed in 1998 with the Monticello Utah Temple . The original plan called for 6,800 square feet (630 m ), later increased to 10,700 square feet (990 m ). Subsequent revisions to

3234-468: The presidency of Joseph F. Smith , who announced two additional temples: Cardston, Alberta (1913), and Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi (1915). Cardston became the first Latter-day Saint temple dedicated outside of the United States. Smith broke with the previous tradition (established since Kirtland) of building temples with upper and lower courts. Temples previously had been ever larger, but the Laie Hawaii Temple

3300-430: The recommend, indicating their approval of that member's worthiness. The individual also signs the recommend, acknowledging the responsibility to remain eligible to hold the recommend. Most recommends are valid for two years. Temple ordinances have historically been unavailable to some members. For about 130 years (between 1847 and 1978) all LDS endowment-related temple ordinances were denied to all Black women and men in

3366-505: The same sex as the participant ("on behalf of the dead" or "by proxy"). Ordinances performed in the temple include: Most ordinances are performed by proxy only on participants who have already completed the ordinance. Similarly, most ordinances are completed only one time for a participant in a lifetime and all subsequent temple ordinance participation is seen as acting for a dead individual. Baptism, confirmation, and priesthood ordination are usually performed in temples only when on behalf of

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3432-414: The site of the temple before his death in 1894. The building has aspects of Māori culture integrated with traditional Latter-day Saint temple designs. Without ever visiting New Zealand, the temple’s architectural work, designed by Edward O. Anderson , reflects both the cultural heritage of New Zealand and the spiritual significance of the church. The temple sits on an 86.4-acre plot atop a green hill, and

3498-539: The standard design further increased the size and complexity of the temples. The majority of the temples dedicated under Hinckley's tenure were of the smaller design, but one particularly noteworthy achievement was the rebuilding of the temple in Nauvoo, Illinois , known as the Nauvoo Illinois Temple . Hinckely's successor, Thomas S. Monson , dedicated 26 temples during his time as church president. His counselors in

3564-728: The temple for time only. It may only be used in conjunction with a standard temple recommend. A limited-use recommend is available to members who have not yet received their endowment or who have not been a member for one year. These may also be issued to a group for a single visit to the temple, to youth 11 and older, or to others for specific cases. Those without recommends occasionally need to enter temples after dedication during fires, medical emergencies, or building inspections. They are escorted by temple personnel during such visits. Temples may offer introductory tours to new local firefighters and emergency medical technicians during regularly scheduled maintenance periods. The LDS temple wedding

3630-444: The temple ordinances outside the temples". To enter the temple, an individual must be baptized, and after one year, may seek a temple recommend , which authorizes admission to the temple. The person is interviewed by their bishop , during which the candidate is asked a series of questions to determine worthiness to enter the temple. The individual is also interviewed by his or her stake president . The bishop and stake president sign

3696-432: The temple recommend questions have changed significantly, though less so in recent years. The standard temple recommend authorizes a member who has been baptized at least one year prior to take part in all temple ordinances and is valid for two years. A recommend for living ordinances is given to individuals who are participating in the endowment for the first time, being sealed to a spouse, or anyone being married in

3762-724: The temple representing three different offices in both the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthood . A statue of the Angel Moroni , stands atop many temples built after the Salt Lake Temple. The statue design represents the Latter-day Saint belief that Moroni was the angel spoken of in Revelation 14. LDS Church members perform rituals (termed ordinances ) within temples. They are taught that temple ordinances are essential to achieving

3828-594: The temple until April 30, 1846, when it was formally dedicated in a private ceremony by Joseph Young , the senior of the Seven Presidents of the Seventy . It was used for three months, then abandoned in late summer 1846. The completed temple was eventually destroyed by fire, and the remaining structure was later demolished by a whirlwind . Upon reaching the Great Basin , Brigham Young began to build settlements based on

3894-467: The temple were manufactured on site by the labour missionaries. The design incorporates elements that are reflective of both the local culture and the broader church symbolism. Many features of the interior design were designed by NWL architects. The interior features murals , glass and crystal chandeliers, and gold detailing designed to create a spiritually uplifting environment. The temple features carpeting in simple loop patterns made of nylon, dyed in

3960-470: The time, were asked to contribute volunteer labor and supplies to support the project. Construction of the Church College of New Zealand (CCNZ) began in 1950, coinciding with a visit from church president David O. McKay to various countries in the South Pacific. During his visit to the Hamilton construction site, McKay identified a hill adjacent to the college as the ideal location for a new temple to serve

4026-513: The world. Several temples are at historical sites of the LDS Church, such as Nauvoo, Illinois , Palmyra, New York , and Salt Lake City, Utah . The importance of temples is often emphasized in weekly meetings, and regular participation in "temple work" is strongly encouraged for all Latter-day Saints (LDS). Within temples, members of the church make covenants , receive instructions, and perform sacred ceremonies and ordinances , such as baptism for

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4092-700: Was a member of the American Institute of Architects for most of his life and was the president of the Utah Chapter from 1935 to 1936. From 1943 to 1949, Anderson was the general church architect for the LDS Church. During the 1950s, he continued designing for the church, but mainly focused on the design of temples . In the early 1950s, Anderson was asked by David O. McKay to design a smaller temple that could be used in areas with fewer Latter-day Saints than those where temples then existed. Shortly after Anderson began work on his design, plans were announced to build

4158-418: Was installed and an accessible entrance to the baptistry was constructed. The landscaping and parking lot were also renovated. Each of these changes were made to ensure the temple's compliance with contemporary building standards and to accommodate the evolving needs of the church and its members. Although the exterior painted concrete masonry remained unchanged, one of the notable aspects of the renovation were

4224-484: Was part of the firm of Anderson and Young with Lorenzo Snow "Bing" Young . Their first major project was Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah followed by the Granite Stake Tabernacle , both of which are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places . He contributed to the design of many other civic buildings in Utah, being involved with the renovation of Salt Lake City Council Hall . Anderson

4290-609: Was smaller than the Nauvoo Temple had been. Both Cardston and Laie were dedicated under church president Heber J. Grant , as was a temple in Mesa, Arizona . George Albert Smith dedicated the next temple in Idaho Falls, Idaho . David O. McKay dedicated five additional temples including one in Bern, Switzerland —which was the first temple dedicated in Europe and the first temple to use film recording of

4356-805: Was the church's first temple in the Southern Hemisphere , the second built both in Polynesia and outside the United States and Canada , after the Laie Hawaii Temple . Located just outside Temple View in Hamilton , it was built with a modern single-spire design similar to the Bern Switzerland Temple . As of May 2024, this is the only temple currently operating in New Zealand, with one in Auckland under construction, and another in Wellington in

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