As the New Zealand nation goes through a period of reflection and soul searching, myriad opportunities are opened before the friends to cast the light of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation ever wider.
Prayer Campaign
The National Assembly and Regional Councils have decided to extend the summer prayer campaign to Ridván, and we eagerly seek your continued offerings of prayer for meeting the goals of the Plan.
Ayyám-i-Há
Bahá’u’lláh enjoined upon His followers to devote these days (26 February to 1 March 2019, inclusive) to feasting, rejoicing and charity. In a letter written on Shoghi Effendi’s behalf it is explained that “the intercalary days are specially set aside for hospitality, the giving of gifts, etc.”
A collection of Baha’u’llah’s mystical writings published
A new volume of Bahá’u’lláh’s mystical works is now available online and in print. Although we do not currently have stocks of this book in New Zealand, they will soon be available, and in the meantime and particularly during the Fast, you may want to go to the Baha’i Reference Library to read this volume online.
What is my role in the process?
The South Island Council reflects on how the recent South Island Summer School highlighted the role of the individual in the Plan, demonstrated by the energy and initiative of a junior youth, the determined efforts of pioneers, and by the pledges of young and old to carry out acts of service.
"We were all committed to learning..."
For seven days in January youth from the communities of Waimakariri, Waitaki, Timaru, Dunedin and Invercargill gathered together to learn how we, as youth, can create true bonds of friendship and how, by working with younger youth, we can foster a spirit of unity and service in our own communities.
Three Billboards - Taranaki!
The story of how one family responded to the call for pioneering to a goal cluster after participating in the summer initiative (a campaign of learning, teaching and pioneering to help those clusters that need support to intensify their growth activities to meet the goals of the Five Year Plan).
Institutions working together
Representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly, Regional Baha’i Council, and Auxiliary Board met with the Local Spiritual Assembly of Timaru and their new believer.
National Fund - update
All friends are lovingly encouraged to perhaps make this year’s Ayyám-i-Há particularly special by giving a gift of love to the National Fund. Ensuring that we meet the financial needs of the Faith for the year will enable us to enter the final year of the Five Year Plan on a strong footing, able to meet the goals with confidence and surety.
To the friends gathered at Unit Conventions 175 B.E.
The National Spiritual Assembly addresses “each dear soul who has conscientiously honoured the divine system of the Bahá’í electoral and consultative process by being present at your Unit Convention.“ It directs their eyes, hearts and minds towards the three recent “magnificent messages” from the Supreme Institution and offers reflection questions to stimulate consultation.
Vision of a New World - Bahá’í Summer Schools 2018-19
Some 900 friends participated in the North and South Island Bahá’í Summer Schools held December 2018 and January 2019. Many participants were inspired to take action over the coming months, and nearly 500 specific acts of service were pledged.
Message on World Peace
This message on World Peace to the Bahá’ís of the World provides analysis, vision and direction, and ensures unity of thought and action as the Bahá’í community learns to translate Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity into reality.
A Talk by Dr Augusto Lopez-Claros on the Extremes of Wealth and Poverty
Dr Lopez-Claros covers a number of the specific solutions that were proposed by `Abdu'l-Bahá as he was travelling through the West and how the discourse on wealth and inequality has evolved over the last century.
To the friends gathered at the Summer Schools
The principle that governs the functioning of all Bahá'í institutions is service to the needs and well-being of the community, and Summer Schools are no exception.
Changes to Auxiliary Board for North Island
The Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia has appointed Ms. Leyla Neilsen as an Auxiliary Board member for Propagation serving the North Island of New Zealand.
Celebrating the Twin Holy Birthdays
The recent Twin Holy Birthdays provided an opportunity for individuals, families and communities to create celebrations “that uplift hearts and kindle spirits.”
The Funds of the Faith
The National Treasurer shares the current needs of the National Fund, and explores some principles around generous and sacrificial giving.
Meeting with Local Spiritual Assemblies
The National Spiritual Assembly is meeting with Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout Aotearoa to explore together the areas of focus for the national community.
Symposium on the topic of 'Faith and Society'
The Office of Public Affairs was invited to contribute to a symposium at Waikato University on the topic of 'Faith and Society'. Aidan MacLeod gave the talk, which was focused on sharing reflections on the role of religion in society.
Extract from a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
O ye beloved friends of God and handmaids of the Merciful! Call ye to mind the blessed Name of our peerless Beloved, the Abhá Beauty, in an uplifting spirit of unbounded ecstasy and delight…