President Selesi’utele Ti’asi’utele Lavea and Sister Camellia Ligaliga Lavea have been appointed as the President and Matron of the newly established Auckland New Zealand Temple, located at 19 Redoubt Rd, near Manukau City. Their extensive experience and faith have prepared them for this important role within their church community.
President Lavea, a native of Upolu, Samoa, born to Sele Lavea and Toe Vaisaaga, brings a wealth of knowledge and service to his new position. He has served in various capacities, including as a temple sealer, temple and family history consultant, and in leadership roles such as Temple Presidency counselor, Stake President, High councilor, and Bishopric counselor.
Sister Lavea, also born in Upolu, Samoa, to Fusi Ligaliga and Nellie Paugata Churchward, joins her husband in this esteemed role as the temple’s matron. Her lifelong dedication to serving within the Church is evident from her past roles as a temple ordinance worker, assistant to the matron, stake Primary president, ward Young Women president, and ward Relief Society presidency counselor.
Their service in the Auckland New Zealand Temple will commence in September or upon the temple’s dedication.
The Auckland Temple was announced on 7 October 2018, by President Russell M. Nelson.
The country’s first temple, the Hamilton New Zealand Temple (1958), has been open since its rededication on Sunday, 16 October 2022, by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
Auckland, according to the church website, has thirteen stakes and over 114,000 members. Established in the 1850s, the Church in New Zealand has as yet to see any notable growth in its numbers.
Efforts are currently underway, according to undisclosed sources, to complete construction of the Auckland temple by the end of March.