Temple Trip Hamilton New Zealand

We were invited by the Auckland New Zealand Mission President to join them on their temple trip.  


Situated atop a stately hill in the rural outskirts of Hamilton, the Hamilton New Zealand Temple overlooks the 86 acres it shared with the former Church College of New Zealand—a church-operated school for students ages twelve to eighteen that permanently closed in December 2009, after 51 years of operation.

At the base of the hill is a popular visitors's center surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.  As we were there during the day, we did not see the light display but in the evening,  during the Christmas season, the grounds are filled with a dazzling spectacle of lights and displays.

Hamilton itself has an interesting history as it was built  in and around seven large peat bogs.  In the winter, the swamps would on occasion overflow, generating some consternation on the part of the early residents. Over 655 square kilometres of land constituted peat bog. Consequently, the TB bacillus proved deadly for many of the settlers.  Since then most of  the smaller lakes have been drained.

The countryside  is slowly being taken over by dairy farms replacing the sheep which for generations was the mainstay of the New Zealand agricultural community.  We actually didn't see that many sheep.  China now is the main importer of milk as they do not trust their own processing methods given the scare in 2008 when over 300,000 suffered the effects of melamine  used as an additive to give the appearance of more protein content in the milk and milk powder.  A number of infants died. The quick transition to dairy production has not been without its critics here in New Zealand however.


For about ten days we have had overcast skies and rain.  This day was no exception. Yet it was still pleasantly warm, although noticeably humid. Driving and taken in the green, verdant countryside was still an enjoyable experience.

Spending time with the missionaries is always a treat.  Their energy, enthusiasm and "joi de vivre" was contagious.  For the small percentage who struggle, they still seem to maintain a positive demeanor. I am optimistic and hopeful that I can provide some degree of relief from the anxiety and depression which beset some of them on occasion.  I feel it a privilege to work with them.

This group represents a third of the Auckland Mission.  The rest were at the temple on Tuesday and Wednesday.