Dedication of carving at Manawatu Bahá’í Centre

This article is based on a report sent by the Spiritual Assembly of Manawatu to the National Spiritual Assembly.

On Saturday 6 November (the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb) the Manawatu Bahá’í community, together with representatives from Ngāti Kauwhata (the local iwi) held a dedication for a carving at the Manawatu Bahá’í Centre. Approximately 60 people attended this event with about 40 Bahá’í friends from Manawatu and its surrounding communities and the majority of the remainder from Ngāti Kauwhata.

The idea of having a carving at the Centre had been discussed for many years. Jim Rutherfurd, a long-standing member of the Manawatu Bahá’í community — who has strong links with many Māori Bahá’í and a devoted passion for spreading the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to tangata whenua — had a large totara log suitable for carving, which had been rescued from the river on his farm during a flood many years ago. It was agreed that a carving would be a fitting way to commemorate the Bicentenaries of the Births of Bahá’u’lláh, and the Báb. After some delays, Jim was able to commission a local carver, Mr Haley Kereama, but the wood was still damp and required more time to cure. The carving was eventually completed and ready to be dedicated on the anniversary of the Birth of the Báb — also taking place during this period of special potency, in which we commemorate 100 years since the passing of our beloved Master.

The dedication was originally planned for dawn, but was changed to 9.00 a.m. due to the weather forecast and consideration for older members of the local communities. Jim unveiled the carving and a kāumatua from Ngāti Kauwhata dedicated it. Kahurangi Davison then performed the karanga to call the guests into the Bahá’í Centre. A devotional service was held with prayers and readings in English and Te Reo, and there were also speeches and waiata. This was followed by breakfast and fellowship. At 3.00 p.m., Haley and members of his family returned to the Centre for a devotional meeting celebrating the Birth of the Báb, where Haley was presented with copies of Ko Ngā Kupu Huna A Bahá’u’lláh and Ētahi Karakia Bahá’í, (The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, and a Bahá’í prayer book)

Jim Rutherfurd and Haley Kereama under the carving at the front entrance of the Manawatu Bahá’í Centre.

In preparation for the dedication, a team of committed workers from the Manawatu and neighbouring Palmerston North Bahá’í communities made a herculean effort to clean the Centre from top to toe, paint outside and prepare the grounds. Much assistance was also provided in the preparation and serving of food, and in many other ways.

Since the dedication, a weekly devotional meeting has been initiated at the Centre, and the community looks forward to strengthening its relationship with local iwi.