National Convention meets in a spirit of joy

A gallery of photos and videos is presented at the end of the article.

“Graced with the presence of Counsellor Latai ‘Atoa, the consultations were characterised by a spirit of joy, enthusiasm and excitement at how far we have come as a national community and at the prospect that lies ahead.” This is how the National Convention described its proceedings in its message to the Universal House of Justice. The complete message reads:

Tēnei te karanga, tēnei te tangi
Kia tūwhera ngā tatau ki te whaiao ki te ao mārama
Tihei mauri ora!

This is the call, this is the cry
To open the doorways to the spiritual world
It is the breath of creation!

Dearly loved Universal House of Justice,

Mai i te kōpae ki te urupā, tātou ako tonu ai
From the cradle to the grave we are forever learning!

Gathered under the shelter of Te Whare Akoranga Bahá’í with hearts filled with gratitude, the delegates of the National Convention of Aotearoa New Zealand extend our sincerest love to our beloved Universal House of Justice in the Holy Land.

Te Whare Akoranga [1] —our newly built centre for learning at the foot of the site of the future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Henderson, Tāmaki Makaurau—stands not only as a symbol for the expansive vision ahead but also as a welcoming reminder of our spiritual forebears of the Faith in this nation. Entering its doors, this Convention also brought with it the remembrance of the life and strength of Lilian Ala’i, the last Knight of Bahá’u’lláh for Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the Pacific. The Concourse on High is no doubt with us, and their presence inspiring.

Opening with a heartfelt prayer for our dear sisters and brothers in Yemen [2], we were eager to start our consultations. Graced with the presence of Counsellor Latai ‘Atoa, the consultations were characterised by a spirit of joy, enthusiasm and excitement at how far we have come as a national community and at the prospect that lies ahead. All 57 delegates participated in the election of the National Spiritual Assembly, of whom 54 were able to be present at the Convention. We were joined by five Auxiliary Board members and representatives of the Regional Bahá’í Councils of both Te Ika-a-Māui [3] and Te Waipounamu [4]. The delegates were delighted at the election of our National Spiritual Assembly, whose members represent the diversity of our nation.

The harmonious atmosphere was no doubt a reflection of the range of delegates representing our national community. Of particular note was the presence of a young Māori delegate, raised through the institute process and put forward to be the voice from her community. The strength and depth of insights from our Māori delegates have grounded the vision of our nation with added assurance of our determined commitment to learn, progress and draw on the transformative effect of the Word of God to heal and create the world anew.

Our deliberations began with reflections on the Riḍván 2023 message, during which we observed how the 44 conferences held across Aotearoa mobilised groups of families and whole communities to create spaces in which Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for a materially and spiritually prosperous world could be explored. We reflected on the shift in thinking that is becoming apparent across our community and heard examples of how the friends are moving away from seeing merely a set of activities, towards an emerging pattern of community life arising from long-term commitment and responsibility towards the development of a community. We heard about the modest steps taken by a Local Spiritual Assembly in a newly redrawn cluster to raise a conversation about race unity through its relationship with the local council, and a group of young professionals with children who took courageous steps to plan and carry out their first family camp. And, from our centres of intense activity, we heard about how the content of the training institute is increasingly inspiring the stirrings of social action in groups of families and through a strong and vibrant junior youth spiritual empowerment programme.

Insights were shared from the 13th International Convention by the National Spiritual Assembly, and we reflected on the natural coherence of our efforts and the variety of ways in which the training institute is at the heart of the capacity building that enables us to advance on all fronts. Indeed, the need to strengthen the training institute featured regularly in our consultations. The delegates shared a deep concern for how communities and institutions can best create conditions that enable young people to progress on their path of service. Our society faces many challenges—especially those facing young people and families—but in these challenges we recognise opportunities, particularly when we approach them with an expansive view of the power and efficacy of the institute process.

Consultation reflected a steadily developing awareness of the rightful place of Māori in the vanguard of the Bahá’í community of Aotearoa, as well as a growing commitment in the wider Bahá’í community to greatly increase its understanding of te ao Māori [5] and its taonga of mātauranga and reo. Bound together by history and the bonds of love we advance.

Ideas flowed and learning was shared in the fields of social action and how we can best contribute to the discourses of society. There was a tangible feeling that we stand on the threshold of exciting developments in these areas.

With the certain knowledge of your unfailing guidance and prayers from the Sacred Threshold, we go forward from this Convention united, energised, focused and with renewed commitment to winning the goals of the Nine Year Plan. Beloved House of Justice, we send you our heartfelt love and gratitude.

Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
My strength is not as an individual but as a part of the collective.

Arohanui,
The National Convention of Aotearoa New Zealand 180 B.E.

Message to the Universal House of Justice - PDF

Footnotes

The Bahá’í Centre for Learning
The mention of “our brothers and sisters in Yemen” refers to the raid on the National Convention in Yemen, being held in a private home, which saddened the New Zealand Convention that was at the same time enjoying a joyful, peaceful and loving gathering, and special prayers were offered for our beleaguered brethren there. For details see Bahá’í World News Service. [This footnote was not part of the message to the Supreme Body]
North Island of New Zealand
South Island of New Zealand
The Māori world and the treasures of its knowledge and language