New Zealand Temple Closes for Renovation
Renderings of designs for the interior and grounds of the temple released
The Hamilton New Zealand Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently closed for an extensive renovation.
The New Zealand landmark has been in service since 1958 and needs seismic strengthening retrofit and significant upgrades to its mechanical systems. In addition, the finishes and furnishings of the temple will be refreshed along with expanded parking and landscaping installed.
[Images on mormonnewsroom.org.nz]
The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2021. Following the remodel, the public will be invited to tour the temple during an open house. After the open house, the temple will be rededicated.
In conjunction with the closure, news media were invited to attend a briefing on Wednesday, August 15.
The temple serves 115,000 Latter-day Saints in New Zealand, New Caledonia and the Cook Islands. During the renovation, Church members will worship in other temples throughout the Pacific, including those in Australia, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga.
Latter-day Saint temples are considered houses of God where faithful members participate in sacred ceremonies such as marriage and the uniting of families for eternity.
Temples differ from meetinghouses or chapels, where all are welcome to attend Sunday worship services and other activities.
More information about the purpose of temples is available here.
Downloadable photos of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple can be found here.