The Auckland New Zealand Temple was officially dedicated on Sunday, 13 April 2025, by Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. A selected group of invited members attended the dedication in person at the temple, while thousands of others across Auckland participated remotely from their local stake centres through a live broadcast of the proceedings.
The temple, located in Goodwood Heights overlooking the Southern Motorway, opened its doors to the public for an open house from 27 February to 22 March 2025. Before the public tours began, invited guests and dignitaries were welcomed between 22 and 26 February. The success of the open house was made possible by a dedicated committee who managed the coordination of thousands of stake volunteers from across Auckland and surrounding regions. Volunteers served in a wide range of roles, from ushering and cleaning to translation and security.
Many of those who visited during the open house shared personal impressions of peace and spiritual clarity. For some, it was their first time stepping inside a temple. Others described it as an experience that brought hope, joy, and a renewed focus on their faith.
Now that the temple is dedicated, it is no longer open to the public. Only members of the Church who have gone through a process of personal and spiritual preparation – culminating in a worthiness interview with local Church leaders… can receive a temple recommendation. This recommendation serves as a passport allowing entry into the temple to participate in sacred ordinances.
Unlike the chapels where Sunday services are held, temples are reserved for ceremonies that are central to Latter-day Saint beliefs, such as eternal marriage, proxy baptisms for deceased ancestors, and personal covenants made with God. Members who regularly attend the temple often describe it as a place of refuge from the pressures and confusion of the world. Many say they leave feeling renewed, with greater peace and spiritual strength.
The Auckland New Zealand Temple stands as the second temple in the country, following the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, which was first dedicated in 1958 and rededicated on Sunday, 16 October 2022, after renovations. It is the 203rd temple in operation worldwide. Its design incorporates New Zealand elements including native flora motifs, Māori basket weave patterns, and green quartzite floors reminiscent of pounamu. It serves over 30,000 members across 15 stakes in the greater Auckland area and beyond.
For Latter-day Saints, the dedication of a temple is not only a religious event – it is a celebration of faith, family, and the hope of eternity. For many, the opening and dedication of the Auckland New Zealand Temple is a spiritual milestone they will remember for generations.
