World Conferences have lit up the way ahead
New Zealand’s vibrant series of World Conferences has come to a conclusion, with the exception of a special online conference to be held on the afternoon of 2 July. Here is a roundup of the most recent of Aotearoa’s series of conferences — a series that has shown the way ahead for extending the society-building power of the Cause.
ONLINE CONFERENCE UPDATE: The special online conference will be held on Zoom on Saturday 2 July from 1.00-5.00 pm. Zoom ID: 858 4349 0682. Password: 510956. Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85843490682?pwd=A5_rT2iAd19jCrJR2mAAEcVZQulZLR.1
A request for reports sent to organisers of these most recent conferences drew forth a profusion of worthwhile reflections and inspiring anecdotes. A glimpse from each report is provided in this article, and attached are pdf files that provide full details.
Manukau/Ōtara/Mangere/Papatoetoe East
The participants felt warmly welcomed to the space, many of whom are friends that briefly knew of the Faith from Bahá’í believers in the neighbourhoods. The friends within the language groups shared in a unified approach initiated by the Bahá’ís to build vibrant communities and expressed their eagerness to participate — inviting others to come along.
Manawatu-Whanganui region (Triumph cluster)
Overall participants thought the conference was brilliant and they were full of gratitude. There was lots of positive feedback on the venue — using words like “beautiful” , and “empowering to be there”. Non-Māori were grateful to be in the venue and to learn about te ao Māori. Māori themed energizers were very well received as were Kapa Haka and Tuvaluan dancing.
Southland (Waihopai/Invercargill)
From the conversations held with people throughout the conference, it is clear that the conference affected people and they were moved by the atmosphere they felt there. It was more than just a “day out!”. Even those who participated briefly, only joining one session, were uplifted and felt they got so much from the experience.
Waipa
Our dependence and trust in the Concourse on High was richly rewarded with a conference of exquisite spirit which moved many. And now we have a motivated group of parents and friends who want to be involved in what we are doing in the neighbourhood. This is a first.
Additional documents from Waipa conference
Waitakere North
This was a physical and spiritual gathering of friends coming together in a big space after two years of Covid. The event was enriched by a diversity of facilitators and variety of delivery styles and interactions with the main themes. The friends showed eagerness to participate and consult about the themes and other topics of discussion.
The cultural aspect of the programme was very successful due to the spiritual atmosphere already present and the diversity of cultures (Tangata Whenua, Pacific, Pakeha, Persian). Likewise, the children’s activities were very successful due to having their own venue and the quality of facilitators.
Waitaki
The mayor of Waitaki District, Gary Kircher, opened the conference with a speech and stayed on to participate until morning tea. He wants to have a follow up conversation of “what next” after the Conference.
The participants enjoyed engaging in small group discussions on the conference themes, learning new songs, creating poems and rap songs, and watching short video clips from around the world. The enthusiasm of the facilitators and the way they led the sessions brought happiness, love, and joy to everyone. The community decorated the venue colourfully. The Local Assembly arranged for some of the meals to be prepared by outside caterers, so as to free up the local friends to fully participate in the conference programme, and this proved highly successful.
A report of the conference was published in the Otago Daily Times.
Group activities brought everyone together as one, to become friends.
West Coast
The programme was focused on Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity and how to build vibrant communities. This theme was well received by the local inhabitants during our home visits. Our conference was well attended by many from Dunedin, Ashburton, Nelson, Richmond, including Westport and Reefton. There were many ethnic Bahá’ís from all over the South Island.
