Elder Ian S. Ardern, Pacific Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited Kaikohe in New Zealand’s Northland region on Saturday and Sunday (29 February and 1 March).
He was hosted by President Trevor and Sister Danielle Beatson of the Church’s Kaikohe Stake.
“President Beatson and I had a delightful visit to the Te Tii (Waitangi) Marae where I was reminded of and taught a little more about our Maori, Christian and New Zealand Church history by Isaiah Apiata,” Elder Ardern posted on Facebook yesterday.
He continued: “There are ten branches and wards in the Kaikohe Stake with over 2700 members. It was so nice to meet and renew ‘old’ acquaintances and friendships.
“To support the 200th year anniversary since the beginning of the restoration of the Gospel, an evening devotional was held in Kaikohe that focused on the First Vision and the Book of Mormon. The talks and music strengthened our testimonies of these two momentous and life changing events.
“My Sunday Sacrament observance was in the Moerewa Ward where Bishop Arama Reihana serves."