… there are very concrete actions that need to be taken if New Zealand’s contribution to a triumphant end to the Five Year Plan at Ridván 2021 is to be significant.

A message was sent to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia assuring them of prayers for the Australian people during this difficult time. They have responded “with humility and thanksgiving”.

The National Spiritual Assembly expresses its thanks to all those who contributed to the success of the recent summer schools.

An outpouring of fresh donations to the National Fund is needed from the generous-hearted friends between now and the end of the financial year on 31 March to ensure we end the year on a strong financial footing.

In this message to summer school participants, the National Spiritual Assembly highlighted principles related to the theme of this year’s schools: “Towards an ever advancing civilisation”.

Every adult believer can be a contributor to Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order through engagement in unit convention on Sunday 16 February 2020.

The Universal House of Justice announced in May 2019 the inauguration of a Fund dedicated to the construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “It is our heartfelt desire that this sacred edifice will be raised up through the universal participation of the friends.”

The new term for the two Regional Councils begins on the Day of the Covenant, 26 November 2019, and the membership for the South and North Islands are announced in this message from the National Spiritual Assembly.

“Drawing on the wealth of experience and energy that has been generated, we now move forward towards further nurturing the community-building activities and responding to the warm receptivity we have found in our compatriots”, writes the National Spiritual Assembly.

This review of bicentenary celebrations and preview of continuing action is provided in a printable brochure format for sharing.

The National Spiritual Assembly wrote to the Universal House of Justice on November 6; “We are honoured to share the participation numbers for the bicentenary celebrations which have taken place in New Zealand.”

Anyone who held a bicentenary activity is urged to record information about it for inclusion in a report to be sent to the Bahá’í World Centre.

Friends are urged to offer at least one of the Báb’s prayers each day, that this country might soar to the greatest possible heights of achievement in our efforts to befittingly honour the Báb through advancing the Cause of God.

The National Spiritual Assembly highlights three key concepts — befittingly honouring the Báb, involving “the widest possible cross-section of society” in meaningful conversations, and inviting “a growing number of people to be involved in the process of community building”.

By seeing the complementary nature of different dimensions of life, such as school study and involvement in the institute process, we can live coherent lives and resolve apparent dilemmas with our time management.

“Between now and this festival spanning 29 and 30 October, the most befitting gift each of us can offer the Blessed Báb is widening the circle of those who will want to celebrate with us the greatness of this Day.” The National Assembly shares its loving encouragement in a letter and video message.

Commissioned by the Universal House of Justice, this film will enhance our bicentenary efforts.

He Raranga Hou - National Bahá'í Teaching Conference, held in Christchurch and Auckland simultaneously over the weekend of 24-26 May 2019 met the expectations of the National Spiritual Assembly. The two Regional Bahá'í Councils and all helpers are warmly thanked for their dedicated efforts towards achieving this outcome.