Results of the election of the National Spiritual Assembly

The National Spiritual Assembly made this announcement on 28 April 2023:

To the New Zealand Bahá’í Community

Dear Baha'i Friends,

From a joyful National Convention in the newly rebuilt centre on the Faith's historic Hyde Dunn property, the National Spiritual Assembly conveys its heartfelt loving greetings to you all. We take the opportunity to share the results of the recent election of the National Spiritual Assembly for 180 B.E.

Of the 57 elected delegates, all were able to cast their vote, and all ballots were valid, resulting in 513 valid votes.

The members elected, in the order of votes received, are as follows:

Mrs Huti Watson
Mr Marc Rivers
Mr Vahid Qualls
Mrs Suzanne Mahon
Mr Nicholas (Nick) Moss
Mrs Shiva Kolodner
Mr Kim Te'o
Mr Saia Tu'itahi
Mrs Audrey Aumua

Mrs Aumua replaced retiring member, Mr Sione Tu'itahi, to whom tribute was paid for some 15 years of devoted service on this institution. He will be greatly missed for his warm-hearted presence, wise intellect, and broad perspectives he brought to his service. The National Assembly offers its loving appreciation to Sione and his family for their support over many years.

Mrs Aumua is currently serving on the Spiritual Assembly of Auckland. She recalled how her mother, Mrs Tinai Hancock, was elected to this National Spiritual Assembly in 1970, the first Pasifika woman to be a member. Mrs Hancock later went on to serve for many years on the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia. Mrs Aumua's father, Mr Don Hancock, had a very long association with the Hyde Dunn property, having helped care for the land over decades. We lovingly and warmly welcome Mrs Aumua, and offer our deepest love to her dear husband Mr Steve Aumua, whose gracious support of Mrs Aumua's service on this institution has already been assured and is deeply appreciated.

The National Assembly was also able to elect its officers, who remain the same as in the previous year, as follows:

Chair: Vahid Qualls
Vice-chair: Huti Watson
Secretary: Suzanne Mahon
Treasurer: Marc Rivers

We trust the friends will offer your prayers that the National Assembly may be divinely guided as it enters this new term of service.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand

Featured photo

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly after they were elected at the recent National Convention. Left to right: Mr Marc Rivers (elected Treasurer), Mrs Suzanne Mahon (elected Secretary), Mrs Audrey Aumua, Mr Nicholas (Nick) Moss, Mrs Huti Watson (elected Vice-Chair), Mrs Shiva Kolodner, Mr Vahid Qualls (Elected Chair), Mr Saia Tu'itahi, Mr Kim Te'o.