Yesterday I was late to uplift a friend Paul FRANCIS for a horse trek. Upon doing so I found him to be in conversation with Ralph HAMON who shared some light and truth on the matter of demolishing CCNZ as conveyed to him and a select few ( envisioning committee ) directly from  the Prophet Thomas S. MONSON and the Apostle Henry B EYRING when they were recently in NZ.

Ralph informed that he and those who were against the demolition of the CCNZ buildings which are effectively known as the envisioning committee or group, and which includes those few who used the Resource Management Act to apply heritage status to some of the buildings were invited to a special meeting with the Prophet and his associates. In all he said about 15 persons were invited to attend the special meeting. Nil stake presidents or bishops were invited to the meeting.

He said the prophet made several key statements to them at the meeting which were as follows –

1 – The decision to demolish Church College was a mistake and it did not come from the First Presidency.

2 – I am into building things up and not breaking them down.

Ralph informed that  the Apostle Henry B EYRING said to those present that all the CCNZ buildings would remain standing and that the envisioning committee were tasked to flesh out what could best be done with respect to utilising them in the future.

Ralph said the blame lay with the Church Physical Facilitators in Auckland at the time with respect to a fraudulent and deceitful intent by them to demolish the CCNZ buildings ( e nga taonga ) without authority from the First Presidency. Ralph said that the Prophet Thomas S MONSON did not want to go into detail regarding the matter but generalised it in short by simply stating that the move to demolish the buildings was “ a mistake. “

The perpetrators involved were all dismissed from their positions incidental to being found out.

Ralph informed that the Prophet was appreciative of their stand they took in defending the the proposed demolition of the CCNZ buildings as it allowed for an investigation by Church authorities / hierarchy into the matter which revealed that the Church Physical Facilitators in Auckland acted without authority from the First Presidency.

I knew in my heart of hearts at the time when I got wind of the CCNZ buildings being scheduled for demolition that there was something erroneous in the Church’s chain of command because the Holy Ghost told me so, hence my immediate vicious response to save the buildings from destruction.

And though I was shunned, despised, reviled and vilified for so saying by others in the community I knew deep in my heart that I was right and I knew that the Lord knew that I was right purely because I felt the overwhelming clear and concise promptings from the Holy Ghost to go into battle for the preservation of the buildings, at the time.

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To have such a confirmation later supported by the Prophet Thomas S MONSON and the Apostle Henry B EYRING is truly humbling, sobering and brings exceedingly, exceedingly great joy to my soul.

The author to demolish the CCNZ buildings no doubt being the adversary himself. I am just grateful a certain few in mortality and no doubt many of the departed spirits in the spirit world

followed the promptings of the true spirit of discernment and as a collective took courage to stand up for what they believed to be true and correct, which has resulted in the preservation of our CCNZ buildings ( e nga taonga ) and which is how I truly believe the Prophet David O Mckay envisaged it to be when he gave the dedicatory prayer for the temple some 52 years or so ago.

Ralph informed that the Prophet and his associates were on Church business in the Asian region when the Prophet under inspiration directed the flight schedule be changed for an impromptu visit to NZ to meet specifically with those in or associated with the envisioning committee who took the courage to save the CCNZ buildings from being demolished.

When Ralph shared the aforementioned with me I felt a huge relief knowing that I had literally put my exaltation on the line to save the CCNZ buildings and at the same time I instantly felt an exceeding great overwhelming bout of joy and humility overcome me. My soul was at peace regarding the matter and my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has consequently been strengthened because of the following insights gleaned along the way –

1 – Trust in the Lord and lean not unto thy own understanding and the right outcome will eventuate.

2 – Faith precedes the miracle.

3 – The intervention and the way it came to pass by the Prophet Thomas S MONSON to sort the issue of the demolition of the CCNZ buildings was absolutely amazing, inspirational and a testimony to me that the Lord and the Prophet are a united cohesive partnership in total unison one with another.( I am so so humbled by the manner, expediency and mode in which the Lord and his Prophet worked together to achieve a resolution on the matter. The Prophet Thomas S MONSON is truly a Prophet of God and is one of my favourite Prophets now ).

4 – Above all is the intervention by the Lord to inspire his servant the Prophet to change his flight schedule and make an impromptu visit to NZ to give a determination on the demolition of the CCNZ buildings so that saints like myself are not left in the dark not knowing the will of the Lord on the matter.

Ralph was essentially visiting Paul to share what the Prophet and Apostle EYRING had expressed at the meeting and to enhance their friendship as Ralph had been criticised by Paul for not supporting the prophet when he Ralph entered into the debate to preserve the CCNZ buildings from being demolished. I was just grateful to be a party to their discussion. I marvel how things went preceding my arrival at Pauls in regards to the uncanny way I was able to be present when Ralph relayed what he had gleaned from the meeting with the Prophet and Apostle EYRING. Was it just a stroke of luck I turned up at the time or meant to be ? The latter I believe, for which I am truly grateful.

This message is not a criticism directed at anyone, or a witch hunt, or an opportunity to be proud or boastful but very much to the contrary. Its essentially an acknowledgement that I do not purposely or intentionally set out to be disobedient to a Prophet of God like I have been accused of doing so by a number of folks in the community in recent times because of my vicious stance I took to preserve the CCNZ buildings from being demolished.

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I have a testimony that the truth will set you free from false consequences and information that may come from others. I know that the Holy Ghost prompts one to choose the right even when it appears one may end up in a precarious predicament.

I am far from perfect. We are instructed to “ come unto Christ and be perfected in him, and deny ( ourselves ) of all ungodliness “ ( Moroni 10.32 ), to become “ new creature(s) “ in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ), to put off “ the natural man “ ( Mosiah 3:19 ) and to experience “ a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually “ ( Mosiah 5:2 ).

I apologise to any whanau members who may have been offended or who may have lost trust and confidence in my ability to sustain church leaders with respect to the stance I took in preserving the CCNZ buildings from being demolished.

I know my stance cut like a two edge sword and was piercing to the hearts of those who took offence in the community yet in the name of truth and light it served a righteous purpose in aiding in the preservation of the CCNZ buildings which are so so dear to me hence – e nga taonga nei ( or they are treasures ). The whakapapa behind them is equally so dear to me because they were built by kind loving servants of the Lord who sacrificed much, which included efforts by our parents, our grandparents and others. Kolo and Nanny sacrificed and freely grew potatoe plantations for and sent pawhara eels from the whakaki lagoon to support Dad and the Labour Missionary Program. Grandad Turake and Nanny Tuhitia freely gave of their possessions to support Mum and Uncle Kap on the Labour Missionary Program and so did so many other pohara whanaungas in the country who had whanau members serving as Labour Missionaries. That heritage and whakapapa is another taonga in and of itself which I am truly proud to be a descendant of and like hell will I stand idly by to see the fruits of the Labour Missionary Program come to nought in my life time by way of an unlawful and deceitful demolition effort which wasn’t sanctioned by the First Presidency of the Church.

Ka arohanui to the Prophets – Joseph SMITH, David O MCKAY, Spencer W KIMBALL ( because he called me to serve in the Philippines and he was known as the Lamanite Prophet in modern times ) and Thomas S  MONSON ( I love him heaps because of his inspired leadership in negating the demolition of the CCNZ buildings ) I can die a happy camper knowing those buildings will not be demolished. My name sake Ariki and others in his age group may yet get their rightful entitlement to attend the CCNZ campus and feel of its neat as wairua is one of my fervent hopes ? I truly believe CCNZ was built for the likes of Ariki’s, Hinaleis and Lola’s generations, and for those spirit children yet to come to earth when one factors in the contents of the dedicatory prayer for the temple given by the Prophet David O MCKAY in 1958 )

Ralph informed that there are discussions around the CCNZ campus being used as an Educational Facility for the age group range 14 years to 20 years. Apparently it is a system currently in place at BYU Provo, Utah ?

Ralph lives at 1 Hamstead Way, which is off Alconbury Drive, which is off Thomas Road, Rototuna / Flag Staff, Hamilton and he welcomes any discussion on the aforementioned and then some if anyone wishes to speak to him direct.

Families are forever. Ka arohanui. Ka ki te ano.

Arohanui. Uncle Rick.

26.09.10.

Hallelujah – college can stay

The white concrete block buildings on the old Church College campus in Temple View have been saved from the wrecking ball.

The college campus, west of Hamilton, is one of the best examples of American post-war campus design in the world.

It had been tagged for demolition by its owners, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which closed the school at the end of last year.

The demolition plans sparked a massive reaction from former students and other community members upset that the campus, built in the 1950s, would go.

The campus includes three significant structures: the David O McKay building (housing an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and large auditorium), the Wendel B Mendenhall library, and the Matthew Cowley administration building. It is those buildings the Temple View Heritage Society had been striving to save.

However, after a long campaign to save the buildings from being flattened – led by the Temple View Heritage Society – church officials this week confirmed they had withdrawn their application to Hamilton City Council to demolish the campus.

The church’s decision to withdraw the demolition application is the final step in a major turn-around from the church hierarchy. For months it had maintained the buildings would be removed despite concerns from the city’s Mormon community, city councillors and the New Zealand Institute of Architects.

The church remains in discussions with the council over district plan variations which apply to the Temple View suburb and the old campus, but Utah-based church property administrator Kent Money said the church was now exploring other possible uses for the buildings.

The church was working with an “envisioning committee”, comprising members of the Temple View Heritage Society, Labour Missionaries Association, Church College Alumni Association and members of the Temple View community, to decide the future use of the campus.

Mr Money, who is also chairman of the envisioning committee, said the decision to leave the largest and most significant buildings standing came about after discussions with city representatives and the community.

“There are six buildings we will not demolish, and a good possibility there’ll be many more,” he said.

Mr Money said there were several “very good ideas” touted for future use of the campus, but he was not able to elaborate on what they were.

“We’re looking at several options, and they’re probably more broad than most people would suspect.”

The church would not sell the property, which it was continuing to maintain.

Bob Hamon, chair of the Temple View Heritage Society, said there was both relief and celebration at the decision to shelve demolition plans.

“It’s a very positive signal that the church is actively looking at other options for the school,” Mr Hamon said.

He said the society accepted some of the smaller structures could still be removed, but the main aim had essentially been achieved.

Andrew Bydder, chair of the Waikato Bay of Plenty branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, said the architectural community shared the sense of relief the buildings would be saved.

“The point I have always stressed is that the school is an integral part of that suburb – it’s not just saving the school, it’s saving the suburb.

“It’s good for the whole of New Zealand to recognise we’ve got something special in our midst. Now we’ve just got to find a good use for the buildings.”

Why is performing the  Haka for a departing missionary,  not permitted at the MTC?

Why is the Maori language not permitted to be spoken in Church.

I called the Church offices in Salt Lake and was told that there are no such language restrictions in any country. Did not mention NZ. It appears that this is a uniquely singular restriction to NZ.

How do we respectfully request a review of these two policies?

Thanks for all of your hard work on this. Maybe we can have a BYU – New Zealand campus someday!?!?!
Who knows?

Hugh
VISIT BY PRESIDENT MONSON TO CCNZ

Tuesday 15th June President Thomas S Monson & his counselor President Henry B Eyring & Bishop H David Burton Presiding Bishop made a surpirse visit to the CCNZ campus & community. They were welcomed by the Alumni Cultural group who following their performance brought tears to the eyes of our visitors. A private meeting was held with the members of the Envisioning Committee (which I am included) to discuss possible options for the campus. President Eyring made it clear that demolition was not an option they were considering. President Monson said he believes in building not breaking down. No formal announcements were made though we are expecting once the Envisioning process has been finished that something will be announced in the second half of this year.

To read a brief article on thier visit go tohttp://ccnzaa.org/members/profile.cfm?memberID=763

USE OF CCNZ FACILITIES
Our leaders are encouraging the church members to use the facilities at the college with any planned chruch activities that may benefit from having access while you visit the temple with your temple groups.

• engage all of the various stakeholders
• put all of the facts on the table
• clear up the myths and inaccuracies of the false engineering reports
• restitution related to consulting fees paid for ???

It is clear that the vacuum of collaborative dialog is waiting to be filled with light, truth, charity and healthy dose of collective ” study it out in your minds”.

David Atkinson 3/6/54 ~ 2/5/10 WEST BOUNTIFUL~ David (Rawiri, Jap)

Richard Henry Atkinson completed his life’s journey suddenly on February 5, 2010. Born in Kaeo, New Zealand to John and Dulcie Atkinson. He met his eternal partner and best friend, Jennifer Margaret Oliphant at Church College of New Zealand. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS New Zealand Temple September 27, 1975. He served an LDS mission in Wellington, NZ from 1973-75. He and his family moved to the Salt Lake Valley in the spring of 1983 (just in time for the floods) where he lived the remainder of his life. David served unselfishly in many callings. He is one of the founding members of the nonprofit organization, The New Zealand American Society (NZAS), where he volunteered most of his free time. David is known for his unconditional love, compassion, honest nature and contagious smile. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, father-in-law, Donald V. Oliphant, and his sister, Patsie Hughes. He is survived by his loving wife, Jenni; daughter Melahn Taingario; daughter Beelyn Hurihia (Marvin) Moore; son Manasseh Rawiri; sister, Dawn (Colin) Armstrong; sister, Jo (Oz) Short; sister, Doreen Atkinson; granddaughters: Tyler Elizabeth Atkinson and Kaia Aroha Moore; grandsons: Mathias Manasseh Rawiri Atkinson, Jacob Jerry Atkinson, and Deion Kia Kaha Moore. David will be laying in state at 950 North 600 West, West Bountiful, Utah, 84087. Family and friends are invited to visit anytime from Monday afternoon, February 8, until Wednesday, February 10. An evening service will be held each night at 7:00 p.m. The final viewing will be held Thursday, February 11th at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 noon at the West Bountiful Stake Center, 1930 North 600 West, West Bountiful, Utah, 84087, under the direction of Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main. David will be laid to rest at Lakeview Memorial, 1640 East Lakeview Dr, Bountiful, Utah 84010.

Can you be accountable and not responsible?

Can you be responsible and not accountable?

How can you be responsible and accountable?

Consider charity and the Good Samaritan.