News Release

Latter-day Saints and Friends Gather in New Zealand's Northland for Easter 'Hui Tau'

Faith in Jesus Christ, family relationships and friendships across cultures and languages strengthened

Members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered in Kaikohe, New Zealand on Easter weekend 2021 for a “Hui Tau” – which is the Māori term for “special gathering” – to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ, family relationships, and friendships across cultures and languages.

The event was hosted by Kaikohe and Whangarei congregations of the Church.

Visitors were welcomed on Friday, the 2nd of April, with a Powhiri - ceremonial Māori greeting.

The next day, younger participants gave “manu korero” speeches, in which they shared stories about their experiences in their families, at church and at school, and in their communities. They also expressed their faith in God and in Jesus Christ.

Later that day, youth, young adults and other participants shared their talents with “kapa haka” performances. Many performing original compositions of dance and music, including gospel-related themes.

The final day of the gathering, Easter Sunday, was about worshipping together and partaking of the sacrament in several Latter-day Saint worship services in Kaikohe, Whangarei and other locations in the region. Gospel-themed meetings followed in the afternoon.

The weekend’s activities concluded with a Sunday evening devotional, filled with sacred music and powerful testimonies of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.

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