Through engagement in exploration, conversation, arts and fellowship, conference participants discover new levels of unity, as these glimpses show.
All in News and Stories
Contributions to race relations win recognition from the Crown
Mrs Bev Watson was invested with the New Zealand Order of Merit on 28 May 2022, for services associated with her work for the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs over many years.
Conferences strengthen relationships and build hope for the future
Participants describe conferences in terms such as “spiritually charged”, “happy”, “a great mix of discussion and creativity”, and “not to be forgotten”.
Hawke’s Bay cluster reaches third milestone of growth
“We yield thanks to the Blessed Beauty that our collective endeavours for the next nine years have been launched with so auspicious a start,” writes the North Island Regional Bahá’í Council.
Conferences bear fruit in understanding and action
The themes of the “world conferences” are striking a chord with souls all over the country.
Six conferences begin the "wave" for Aotearoa
The joyful, creative, energising and unifying activities of New Zealand’s first six conferences are a taste of more to follow.
Video gives an update on Centre for Learning project
The long-awaited national Centre for Learning is headed for completion by mid 2022, as described in this video presentation that was prepared for National Convention.
Vibrant, united and purposeful National Convention
Highly conscious that “the power of the Covenant strengthens our waka”, National Convention joyfully discharged its sacred functions of electing the National Spiritual Assembly and consulting on the work of the Cause.
Annual Report: A unified community widens its embrace
In a year of challenging circumstances, the National Spiritual Assembly has nothing but deep admiration for the manner in which the institutions, agencies, individuals and community rallied to the needs of the hour.
Initial investigations indicate fire at Shrine construction site an accident
“The distress with which the friends around the world received the news of the fire testifies to the depth of their love for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and their longing for the completion of His Shrine.” - Universal House of Justice
Emerging Shrine a symbol of peace and service to humanity
“Once completed, the Shrine will serve as a place of quiet contemplation for countless visitors from around the world …”
Site lays out a welcome to New Zealand's ‘World Conferences’
The new website for the “world conferences” in Aotearoa provides a vibrant introduction and essential information.
New agency to foster translations into Te Reo Māori
Taumata Rei is a new Māori translation agency of the National Spiritual Assembly of Aotearoa whose task it is to advance the translations of the Teachings and Writings of the Faith into te reo Māori as a precious gift (rei) to our Beloved.
First National Convention of the Nine Year Plan
National Convention 179 B.E. will undoubtedly play a significant part in launching Aotearoa into the Nine Year Plan. This year’s 57 delegates to the Convention, elected at last month’s unit elections around the country, are announced.
‘He Kete Kotahi’ art exhibition in Rotorua
Art exhibitions in Rotorua dedicated to ‘Abdu’l-Baha blazon the oneness of humanity and the beauty and strength of our diversity.
Te Whakarewa o Ngā Tirohanga Whānui
In a unique online gathering, 150 members of institutions met this week to consult on the forthcoming conferences around the country and how to draw in a wide range of the well-wishers of humanity.
Joyful and focused institutional meeting
Sixty friends from Aotearoa participated in an international online gathering to begin preparations for the coming Nine Year Plan. The gathering was characterised by bonds of love, unity of purpose and a sense of consecration by the more than 200 friends from three countries of the Australasian region.
Conferences are adapted to pandemic circumstances
Although the forthcoming series of conferences in Aotearoa will be smaller in size, they will increase in number and will be outward-facing, welcoming occasions of joyful celebration, in a spiritually charged atmosphere.
Examples of arts to enhance conferences
The creative endeavours of friends as shared here are examples of the many and varied expressions of meaningful celebration and uplifting creativity we can expect to experience at the conferences.
Tongan friends demonstrate faith and resilience
In the midst of the consequences of a volcanic eruption, tsunami and Covid-19 outbreak, the friends in Tonga press on courageously, requesting prayers.