Groundbreaking of the Auckland New Zealand Temple
The groundbreaking of the Auckland New Zealand Temple was presided over by Elder Ian S. Ardern, president of the Pacific Area, on June 13, 2020. Government leaders, like Mayor Phil Goff of Auckland and Hon Aupito William Sio, Minister for Pacific Peoples, were also in attendance.
In his remarks at the event, Elder Ardern said, “The temple will be a beautiful, bright light in the city of Auckland, inviting all to come unto Christ.”
Timeline of the Auckland New Zealand Temple
The Auckland New Zealand Temple was announced Oct. 7, 2018, by Church President Russell M. Nelson. The groundbreaking and site dedication for this house of the Lord were held on June 13, 2020, and presided over by Elder Ian S. Ardern, Pacific Area president.
Architecture and Design of the Auckland New Zealand Temple
According to plans and exterior renderings, the Auckland temple will be a rectangular building with a spire above the front entrance. Around the building are rows of rectangular windows, with a tall arch above the entrance. The spire atop the temple is located on a square base and has a rectangular window on each side.
The temple sits on a grass hill, with a sidewalk circling around it. The site, located around 14 miles (23 kilometers) southeast of Auckland City, will be adorned with green and red bushes and trees.