68th National Convention: Spirited reflections propel forward momentum
Opening with a powerful pōwhiri led by radiant rangatahi, the 68th New Zealand Bahá’í National Convention, held at Te Whare Akoranga Bahá’í, 26-28 April, was a joyous gathering overflowing with gratitude and devotion. At the heart of the proceedings, the Riḍván Message for 181 B.E. ignited deep reflections on humanity's needs, reinforcing the understanding that every individual in the world can play a part in establishing the peace of the world. Fresh insights from across the nation were offered as delegates shared uplifting experiences and exchanged inspiring stories of teaching and learning.
The announcement of the newly-elected National Spiritual Assembly was a moment of celebration marked by joyful, spontaneous waiata by the delegates.
Announcement from the National Spiritual Assembly
To the New Zealand Bahá’í Community
Dear Baha'i Friends,
Following a beautiful three-day Convention held at Te Whare Akoranga Bahá’í, 26-28 April, we take the opportunity to share the results of the election of the National Spiritual Assembly for 181 B.E. when all 57 delegates were able to cast their vote, four as absentees, with all ballots valid and only three votes deemed invalid. There were no tie-votes.
The members elected, in the order of votes received, are as follows:
Mrs Huti Watson, Mr Vahid Qualls, Dr Audrey Aumua, Mrs Suzanne Mahon, Mr Saia Tu'itahi, Mr Nick Moss, Mr Kim Te'o, Mrs Shiva Kolodner and Mrs Wan Rivers.
As you will recall from earlier communications, Mr Marc Rivers had served on the National Assembly until a month ago, when he took up his role in Switzerland at the International Red Cross. He was present on the last day of the Convention to present the annual financial report to the Convention, where tribute was paid to his service over the past four years, in which he combined his valuable capacities with his sincere humility, and natural joyfulness. The National Spiritual Assembly now offers its most loving and warm welcome to his wife, Mrs Wan Rivers, who has been elected to the national institution.
The election of officers resulted in the following outcome:
Vahid Qualls - Chair
Suzanne Mahon - Secretary
Nick Moss - Treasurer
Huti Watson - Vice-chair
We seek 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
Message from the Convention to the Universal House of Justice
Shared via the button below, is the message from the Convention to the Universal House of Justice.
National Convention delegates and Counsellor Tessa Scrine with the newly elected National Spiritual Assembly for 181 B.E.
Photo gallery - 68th National Convention
Held at Te Whare Akoranga Bahá’í, 26-28 April 2024
Featured Photo: The newly elected National Assembly members. From left to right, Mr Saia Tu'itahi, Mr Nick Moss, Dr Audrey Aumua, Mrs Huti Watson, Mrs Wan Rivers, Mrs Suzanne Mahon, Mr Vahid Qualls, Counsellor Tessa Scrine, Mr Kim Te'o, and in absentia Mrs Shiva Kolodner, who was unable to be present.
