In the early morning hours of Sunday, October 12, 2025, a significant fire severely damaged a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Te Hauke, near Hastings in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay region. Firefighters were able to control the flames, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Local church leaders and congregation members are heartbroken over the destruction of their meetinghouse but are proactively making alternative arrangements for worship services.
In a related incident later that day, another fire broke out at a church meetinghouse in Mont-Dore, New Caledonia, causing considerable damage, though again, no injuries have been reported. Local Church leaders in the area are cooperating with authorities on the ongoing investigations and are providing emotional support to members affected by the incident.
Elder Peter F. Meurs, Pacific Area President of the Church, expressed the significance of these meetinghouses, stating, “Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joyfully worship in meetinghouses across the Pacific and the world, deepening faith in Jesus Christ, fellowshipping with others, and organizing service to the communities in which they live. These sacred spaces are places of gathering, singing, praying, and inspiration for over 600,000 members of the Church in the Pacific Area.”
Elder Meurs further emphasized that Church leaders will explore ways to assist members and friends in finding places to gather for worship and fellowship, ensuring that the community can continue its mission of raising strong families and fostering goodwill and neighborliness, even in the face of adversity.
This resilient spirit of the church members highlights their unwavering commitment to faith and community, turning challenges into opportunities for stronger bonds and collective support.