Situated atop a stately hill in the rural outskirts of Hamilton, the Hamilton New Zealand Temple overlooks the 86 acres it shares 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 public visitors’ center, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. Guides are available to answer questions and direct visitors to the numerous displays on site including a magnifi cent replica of the Christus statue. At Christmastime, the grounds are fi lled with a dazzling spectacle of lights and displays. On July 23, 2018, the Hamilton New Zealand Temple closed for an extensive renovation project that includes seismic strengthening, upgrades to the electrical and mechanical systems, improvement of the fl oor plan, and replacement of all finishes and furnishings. Accompanying facilities will also be upgraded including the parking lot, patron and missionary housing, and visitors’ center. Construction is expected to be completed in 2021 when the public will be invited to tour the temple during an open house. Following the open house, the temple will be rededicated.

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Photo Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Intellectual Reserve