A joyful milestone for the Bahá’í community in Aotearoa, the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Ruapehu District was formed on the First Day of Ridván, marking a significant step forward for the friends of this locality.
All tagged News and stories
A significant point in the Nine Year Plan
A recent Institutional meeting in Sydney brought together friends from three countries to reflect on progress so far and consider the path forward in the Nine Year Plan.
Social Action Expressions Part 4
This article explores initiatives emerging in suburbs of Wellington, including a community orchard and a vibrant devotional space.
Social Action Expressions Part 3
Part three in this series shares insights from Manurewa which highlight how individuals and organisations are learning to apply spiritual principles to advance both individual and collective progress.
Social Action Expressions Part 2
Initiatives in Te Awamutu, Flaxmere and Tairāwhiti illustrate how social action is emerging in diverse settings across Aotearoa. Read part two in our Social Action series here.
Social Action Expressions Part 1
Participants at a recent social action seminar reflected on how communities are translating spiritual principles into action. Over the coming weeks, we will highlight case studies that share learning emerging across the country.
A community’s loving response to the National Fund
One community has shared how friends of all ages, including the children, responded with joy and sacrifice to support the “bedrock upon which all the activities of the Cause ultimately rest”.
Race Relations Day 2026: Whakarongo Kia Mārama
Race Relations Day is 21 March 2026, and friends are invited to use this opportunity to consider ways to contribute to conversations about unity in diversity, including at regional gatherings for the Race Unity Speech Awards.
Emerging insights from the field: Teaching and Enrolment (Part 3)
In this final contribution to the series, learn how communities in Paraparaumu and Western Bay of Plenty are fostering spaces of safety, participation, and shared purpose.
From Mount Carmel to Budapest
After completing seven years of service at the Bahá’í World Centre, Heather Simpson has begun a new chapter as an international pioneer in Budapest.
Friends gather across Aotearoa for unit conventions
Believers throughout the country came together for unit conventions in February. Here is the National Assembly’s message to the conventions and a snapshot of participation statistics.
Emerging insights from the field: Teaching & Enrolment (Part 2)
Insights emerging from Hawke’s Bay and Manurewa highlight evolving conversations around teaching, accompaniment, and removing barriers to enrolment in the Faith.
Emerging insights from the field: Teaching & Enrolment (Part 1)
In this first part of a short series, the Auxiliary Board members share highlights and insights emerging from youth and junior youth initiatives in the settings of Kaitī, Pinehill and Waitaki.
Gathered in learning: Summer Schools 2025/26
The Spiritual Assemblies of Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch hosted joyful summer schools. Group photos of each are shared here.
Trustees gather at the Mother Temple of the Antipodes
Trustees of Ḥuqúqu’lláh from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific gathered at the Mother Temple of the Antipodes in Sydney as they began a new five-year term of service.
Youth as protagonists of social change
Drawing on the recent Auckland Youth Conference and a reflection from a youth in Sydney, this article offers a snapshot of how youth are walking a path of learning and service in accordance with the current Plan.
New Year Honours 2026: Recognising service to Aotearoa
The New Year Honours 2026 list recognises outstanding service to society and includes three dear friends.
"Whakarongo kia mārama" — Introducing the 2026 Race Unity Speech Awards
Key details for the 2026 Race Unity Speech Awards open to all senior high school students.
Reflections from the annual gathering for Bahá'í Councils
The annual gathering of the National Spiritual Assembly and Regional Councils, supported by visiting Counsellor Daniel Pierce Olam, sparked renewed momentum for advancing the Nine Year Plan.
The role of reliable statistics
This article offers a simple reflection on how clearer, more consistent statistics gathered during the expansion phase can help clusters plan with greater confidence.