A Treasured Landmark Reborn—Scientology Opens New Church Atop Auckland

Auckland celebrates grand opening of new National Church of Scientology for New Zealand at landmark site overlooking the city.

Spirituality. Heritage. Tradition. History. Education. Learning. These are pillars on which rests Scientology’s new Ideal Org of New Zealand, where Scientologists locally and from across the Pacific gathered with friends and supporters on Saturday, January 21, to inaugurate the rebirth of the second oldest Church of Scientology in the world.

Overlooking the city and Auckland’s magnificent Waitemata Harbor, the local historic site and cherished landmark, preserved and restored beautifully by the Church in cooperation with local architects and preservationists, is a resurrection of what was once home to spiritual training for clergy and religious scholars for nearly a half century.

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Thousands of Scientologists and guests gathered on Saturday, January 21, to commemorate the historic opening of New Zealand’s National Church of Scientology, in the heart of Auckland. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Thousands of Scientologists and guests gathered on Saturday, January 21, to commemorate the historic opening of New Zealand’s National Church of Scientology, in the heart of Auckland. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, led the dedication of the Church of Scientology of Auckland, Saturday, January 21. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, led the dedication of the Church of Scientology of Auckland, Saturday, January 21. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Upon taking the stage, Mr. Miscavige was met with an uproarious applause at the grand opening ceremony in Grafton, Auckland. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Upon taking the stage, Mr. Miscavige was met with an uproarious applause at the grand opening ceremony in Grafton, Auckland. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Joined by prominent Scientologists from New Zealand and across Australasia, Mr. Miscavige officially dedicated Auckland’s Ideal Church of Scientology. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Joined by prominent Scientologists from New Zealand and across Australasia, Mr. Miscavige officially dedicated Auckland’s Ideal Church of Scientology. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Thousands of Scientologists and their guests gathered at the historic landmark to witness the festive ribbon cutting on Saturday, January 21. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Thousands of Scientologists and their guests gathered at the historic landmark to witness the festive ribbon cutting on Saturday, January 21. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The Church of Scientology Auckland was dedicated January 21, 2017, before a spirited audience which gathered to welcome the Church to its spectacular new home. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The Church of Scientology Auckland was dedicated January 21, 2017, before a spirited audience which gathered to welcome the Church to its spectacular new home. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Thunderous applause greeted the falling ribbon, signaling the official opening of the Church and marking achievement of a long-time goal, to join the league of Ideal Scientology Orgs in this era of unprecedented expansion for the Scientology religion. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Thunderous applause greeted the falling ribbon, signaling the official opening of the Church and marking achievement of a long-time goal, to join the league of Ideal Scientology Orgs in this era of unprecedented expansion for the Scientology religion. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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An iconic rendition of the haka followed by a stirring performance of “We Are One” provided the opening act to a spectacular grand opening celebration. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

An iconic rendition of the haka followed by a stirring performance of “We Are One” provided the opening act to a spectacular grand opening celebration. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“We do not regard Ideal Org buildings as buildings, per se. Rather, we regard our buildings as ‘vessels for life’ and the living breathing fabric of their communities. Consequently, when we bring spiritual beings back to life by restoring their own sense of spirituality—so an Ideal Org itself comes to life. And, so we thank Auckland for allowing us to serve as custodians of an Ideal Org that’s just as much New Zealand’s as ours.”—Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“We do not regard Ideal Org buildings as buildings, per se. Rather, we regard our buildings as ‘vessels for life’ and the living breathing fabric of their communities. Consequently, when we bring spiritual beings back to life by restoring their own sense of spirituality—so an Ideal Org itself comes to life. And, so we thank Auckland for allowing us to serve as custodians of an Ideal Org that’s just as much New Zealand’s as ours.”—Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“This facility presents a particularly satisfying parallel, that as first conceived for the purpose of religious learning and guidance, this historic landmark is now experiencing a spiritual renaissance as the new home of the Church of Scientology in Auckland. Your dedication in taking on the restoration of this heritage jewel has been very memorable. You appreciated the richness of the history within these walls, caring for the precious materials and their fine craftsmanship.” —Ms. Robin Byron, Architect Advisor and Representative, Heritage New Zealand © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“This facility presents a particularly satisfying parallel, that as first conceived for the purpose of religious learning and guidance, this historic landmark is now experiencing a spiritual renaissance as the new home of the Church of Scientology in Auckland. Your dedication in taking on the restoration of this heritage jewel has been very memorable. You appreciated the richness of the history within these walls, caring for the precious materials and their fine craftsmanship.” —Ms. Robin Byron, Architect Advisor and Representative, Heritage New Zealand I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“In my experience, all too often the real reasons behind mental and spiritual issues are ignored. The actual problem is that people don’t know anything about psychiatry and mental health until it affects them personally. But after finding the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, we were no longer left in the dark. Because, there is a voice in the dark, it leads to the light, and that voice is CCHR.” —Mr. Thomas Henry, Advisor to the New Zealand Police © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“In my experience, all too often the real reasons behind mental and spiritual issues are ignored. The actual problem is that people don’t know anything about psychiatry and mental health until it affects them personally. But after finding the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, we were no longer left in the dark. Because, there is a voice in the dark, it leads to the light, and that voice is CCHR.” —Mr. Thomas Henry, Advisor to the New Zealand Police I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“When I first joined the system and I saw how youth were being treated, I said to myself: ‘I’ve got to find out something about human rights.’ But I couldn’t find anybody doing anything about it. Then I heard of the Church of Scientology and your volunteers. So, I drove across town to find you, and when I did, I remember I told you: ‘I want that rights program that you do!’ And that’s how we started a united movement to teach human rights to Auckland youth.” —Ms. Yvonne Galvin, Advisor, New Zealand’s Youth Crime Prevention Program © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“When I first joined the system and I saw how youth were being treated, I said to myself: ‘I’ve got to find out something about human rights.’ But I couldn’t find anybody doing anything about it. Then I heard of the Church of Scientology and your volunteers. So, I drove across town to find you, and when I did, I remember I told you: ‘I want that rights program that you do!’ And that’s how we started a united movement to teach human rights to Auckland youth.” —Ms. Yvonne Galvin, Advisor, New Zealand’s Youth Crime Prevention Program I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“Every member of the Church of Scientology I have worked with has a focus on healing our world. I believe it is the Scientologists that are the living resource of your movement. It’s not easy to express my gratitude to people who save lives every day. But I personally know every one of you has helped change this part of the world. And together, with this Ideal Org, that change will reach every community of our island nation.”—Ms. Mereana Peka, Chairperson, Maori Warden Charitable Trust, South Auckland © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“Every member of the Church of Scientology I have worked with has a focus on healing our world. I believe it is the Scientologists that are the living resource of your movement. It’s not easy to express my gratitude to people who save lives every day. But I personally know every one of you has helped change this part of the world. And together, with this Ideal Org, that change will reach every community of our island nation.”—Ms. Mereana Peka, Chairperson, Maori Warden Charitable Trust, South Auckland I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Mr. David Miscavige with (left to right): Ms. Mereana Peka, Chairperson of Auckland’s Maori Warden Charitable Trust, South Auckland; Ms. Robin Byron, Architect Advisor for Heritage New Zealand; Mr. Thomas Henry, Advisor to the New Zealand Police and Ms. Yvonne Galvin, Advisor, New Zealand’s Youth Crime Prevention Program © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Mr. David Miscavige with (left to right): Ms. Mereana Peka, Chairperson of Auckland’s Maori Warden Charitable Trust, South Auckland; Ms. Robin Byron, Architect Advisor for Heritage New Zealand; Mr. Thomas Henry, Advisor to the New Zealand Police and Ms. Yvonne Galvin, Advisor, New Zealand’s Youth Crime Prevention Program I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The new National Church of New Zealand is prominently located on Grafton Road, between Newmarket and Auckland City Center. Originally founded in 1955—as the second Church of Scientology in the world—it welcomes all from Auckland and beyond. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The new National Church of New Zealand is prominently located on Grafton Road, between Newmarket and Auckland City Center. Originally founded in 1955—as the second Church of Scientology in the world—it welcomes all from Auckland and beyond. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The Auckland Church of Scientology not only provides the facilities to service Scientologists in their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom; it is also a meeting ground for cooperative efforts to serve people of all faiths. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The Auckland Church of Scientology not only provides the facilities to service Scientologists in their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom; it is also a meeting ground for cooperative efforts to serve people of all faiths. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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RECEPTION Open seven days a week, morning to night, the Church of Scientology of Auckland Reception welcomes anyone wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

RECEPTION Open seven days a week, morning to night, the Church of Scientology of Auckland Reception welcomes anyone wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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SCIENTOLOGY PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER The Public Information Center offers some 500 films, providing a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology. It includes the beliefs and practices of the religion as well as the many humanitarian initiatives and community outreach programs the Church supports. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

SCIENTOLOGY PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER The Public Information Center offers some 500 films, providing a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology. It includes the beliefs and practices of the religion as well as the many humanitarian initiatives and community outreach programs the Church supports. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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INTRODUCTORY SERVICES The Church of Scientology of Auckland provides for the delivery of all Introductory Services. These include evening and weekend Dianetics and Scientology seminars imparting an overview of the fundamental principles and their application for living. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

INTRODUCTORY SERVICES The Church of Scientology of Auckland provides for the delivery of all Introductory Services. These include evening and weekend Dianetics and Scientology seminars imparting an overview of the fundamental principles and their application for living. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Among the many introductory services available at the Church of Scientology of Auckland is an entire array of Scientology Life Improvement Courses to help better any aspect of one’s life. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Among the many introductory services available at the Church of Scientology of Auckland is an entire array of Scientology Life Improvement Courses to help better any aspect of one’s life. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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DIANETICS & SCIENTOLOGY BOOKSTORE The Church of Scientology of Auckland Bookstore makes available L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy spans tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

DIANETICS & SCIENTOLOGY BOOKSTORE The Church of Scientology of Auckland Bookstore makes available L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy spans tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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THE PURIFICATION CENTER Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Program to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins, through a regimen of exercise, sauna and nutrition—all of which are provided for in our Purification Center. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

THE PURIFICATION CENTER Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Program to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins, through a regimen of exercise, sauna and nutrition—all of which are provided for in our Purification Center. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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HUBBARD GUIDANCE CENTER The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists receive one-on-one spiritual counseling, known as auditing. Just beyond the waiting room are dozens of auditing rooms. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

HUBBARD GUIDANCE CENTER The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists receive one-on-one spiritual counseling, known as auditing. Just beyond the waiting room are dozens of auditing rooms. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling) is delivered in an array of auditing rooms, providing the ideal, distraction-free environment in which to achieve spiritual enlightenment. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling) is delivered in an array of auditing rooms, providing the ideal, distraction-free environment in which to achieve spiritual enlightenment. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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THE ACADEMY The Academy is where Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors), capable of applying the technology of auditing to help others attain spiritual freedom. The Auckland Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

THE ACADEMY The Academy is where Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors), capable of applying the technology of auditing to help others attain spiritual freedom. The Auckland Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The Café welcomes visitors touring the Church or attending the many scheduled events and for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The Café welcomes visitors touring the Church or attending the many scheduled events and for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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THE CHAPEL Scientology services and ceremonies are convened in the Chapel, including Sunday Services open to members of all denominations. It further serves as an ideal venue for workshops, banquets and events in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Auckland. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

THE CHAPEL Scientology services and ceremonies are convened in the Chapel, including Sunday Services open to members of all denominations. It further serves as an ideal venue for workshops, banquets and events in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Auckland. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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THE OFFICE OF L. RON HUBBARD As is tradition, the Office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honor of the religion’s Founder and symbolizes that this Ideal Organization is true to his writings and ideals. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

THE OFFICE OF L. RON HUBBARD As is tradition, the Office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honor of the religion’s Founder and symbolizes that this Ideal Organization is true to his writings and ideals. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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THE HISTORY OF AN AUCKLAND LANDMARK The site of the impressive Gothic Revival landmark, now home to the Church of Scientology, was originally granted to the Wesleyan Mission in 1844 and later expanded in 1927 as the Trinity Methodist Theological College. A Gothic Revival landmark overlooking Grafton, this red brick and white Oamaru stone structure subsequently served as a hub of spiritual training, as well as a center for various educational institutions. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

THE HISTORY OF AN AUCKLAND LANDMARK The site of the impressive Gothic Revival landmark, now home to the Church of Scientology, was originally granted to the Wesleyan Mission in 1844 and later expanded in 1927 as the Trinity Methodist Theological College. A Gothic Revival landmark overlooking Grafton, this red brick and white Oamaru stone structure subsequently served as a hub of spiritual training, as well as a center for various educational institutions. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The site’s distinctive chapel and bell tower were added in the late 1950s. In recognition of its cultural significance, Heritage New Zealand listed the complex as a Historic Place in 1981. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The site’s distinctive chapel and bell tower were added in the late 1950s. In recognition of its cultural significance, Heritage New Zealand listed the complex as a Historic Place in 1981. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Upon acquiring the landmark, the Church of Scientology conducted considerable and meticulous repair and restoration of its architectural features. Among these are the ornate stone fireplaces, solid oak and cast iron balusters in the winding staircase, and the original rimu and jarrah millwork. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Upon acquiring the landmark, the Church of Scientology conducted considerable and meticulous repair and restoration of its architectural features. Among these are the ornate stone fireplaces, solid oak and cast iron balusters in the winding staircase, and the original rimu and jarrah millwork. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The Church of Scientology of Auckland—a stunning new Scientology Ideal Organization to serve this “City of Sails” and all of New Zealand. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The Church of Scientology of Auckland—a stunning new Scientology Ideal Organization to serve this “City of Sails” and all of New Zealand. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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© 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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The historic site, originally established in 1844, was later expanded in 1927—90 years ago this year—as the Trinity Methodist Theological College to train theologians of the Christian faith, who later carried their missions throughout the Pacific Rim. In its new incarnation, as a spiritual center for Scientologists of all New Zealand, it brings full circle the ideas of faith and spirituality under the tenets of Scientology’s goals of a world free of war and want, and committed to humanitarian aims.

So it was, on Saturday, January 21, the new Church of Scientology opened its doors to their beautiful and meticulously restored facility for what will be not only the Church’s spiritual mission, but to its vigorous outreach efforts in anti-drug and humanitarian programs that have already been at work in the nation for decades.

David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, led the dedication ceremony to officially open the doors of the new Ideal Org. In his dedication address, Mr. Miscavige spoke to the significance of the opening and the possibilities afforded every Aucklander.

“We do not regard Ideal Org buildings as buildings, per se. Rather, we regard our buildings as ‘vessels for life’ and the living breathing fabric of their communities. Consequently, when we bring spiritual beings back to life by restoring their own sense of spirituality—so an Ideal Org itself comes to life. And, so we thank Auckland for allowing us to serve as custodians of an Ideal Org that’s just as much New Zealand’s as ours.”

The opening of the Church brings together a spirit of community cooperation, and Scientology’s commitment that has already been demonstrated by helping preserve the heritage of Auckland’s Grafton neighborhood, and returning the building to its former grandeur, what local community members describe as honoring an “unbroken heritage as a place of enlightenment and spiritual knowledge.”

Local state and community leaders and individuals involved in a number of Scientology’s secular humanitarian missions spoke at Saturday’s grand opening, making note of the significance of the Church’s ever-expanding mission within the country.

Robin Byron, architect advisor with Heritage New Zealand, told the several thousand participants at the opening that the melding of past and present offers “a particularly satisfying parallel, that as first conceived for the purpose of religious learning and guidance, this historic landmark is now experiencing a spiritual renaissance as the new home of the Church of Scientology in Auckland.

“Your dedication in taking on the restoration of this heritage jewel has been very memorable,” she said. “The building had seen many years of neglect and so this endeavor represented no small commitment. But you appreciated the richness of the history within these walls, caring for the precious materials and their fine craftsmanship.”

From the red brick and white Oamaru stone fabric used across the façade, to the restoration of delicately finished oak in the entrance hall and library and preservation of rimu timber paneling and jarrah wood flooring, she noted, the work has set the facility apart as a work of art itself.

But it represents far more to a community that has seen the Church’s human rights, social justice and anti-drug programs make a difference already in the lives of young people and adults in Auckland and which will expand through the combined efforts of hundreds of volunteers and staff working from the Church’s new home base in New Zealand.

Yvonne Galvin, advisor to New Zealand’s Youth Crime Prevention program, said she sees new opportunities from the Church’s expansion. “Today, my cause is taking care of youth at risk,” she told the assembled guests. “When I first joined the system and I saw how youth were being treated, I said to myself: ‘I’ve got to find out something about human rights.’ But I couldn’t find anybody doing anything about it.

“Then I heard of the Church of Scientology and your volunteers,” she said. “So, I drove across town to find you, and when I did, I remember I told you: ‘I want that rights program that you do!’ And that’s how we started a united movement to teach human rights to Auckland youth.”

That work has had parallels for Thomas Henry, an advisor to the New Zealand police and a tireless advocate against the abuse of psychiatric medications and for responsible mental health care in the country. “I deal with families who have been promised the easy ‘solution’ of psychiatric drugs and labels as a quick fix,” he said.

“And ultimately they are left dependent and further in trouble. I’ve seen this my entire life. In my experience, all too often the real reasons behind mental and spiritual issues are ignored. The actual problem is that people don’t know anything about psychiatry and mental health until it affects them personally,” he noted. “But after finding the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, we were no longer left in the dark. Because, there is a voice in the dark, it leads to the light, and that voice is CCHR.”

Mereana Peka, Chairperson of the prestigious Maori Wardens Charitable Trust, South Auckland, perhaps summed the meaning of the day best. “Every member of the Church of Scientology I have worked with has a focus on healing our world. I believe it is the Scientologists that are the living resource of your movement. It’s not easy to express my gratitude to people who save lives every day. But I personally know every one of you has helped change this part of the world. And together, with this Ideal Org, that change will reach every community of our island nation.”

The spiritual and educational background of these new grounds—the building was also home to New Zealand state educational apparatus in the 1970s, and once housed a design and art school as well—will see in the restored Church facility a revival of opportunities to continue learning, teaching and spiritual outreach.

The first Church of Scientology in New Zealand opened in 1955, and its growth and expansion in the more than 60 years since has been a realization of Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for the Church and its work within the region.

The new Auckland Church provides visitors with an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology, beginning with the Public Information Center. Its displays, containing more than 500 films, present the beliefs and practices of the Scientology religion and the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

The Information Center also offers a detailed overview of the many Scientology-supported humanitarian programs. These include a worldwide human rights education initiative; a far-reaching drug education, prevention and rehabilitation program; a global network of literacy and learning centers; and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program, now representing the world’s largest independent relief force.

Auckland’s Ideal Organization also features a Chapel that provides for Scientology congregational gatherings, including Sunday Services, weddings and naming ceremonies, as well as a host of community-wide events open to members of all denominations. The facility further includes multiple seminar rooms and classrooms, in addition to an entire floor dedicated to Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling).

As the first grand opening of 2017, the Auckland opening continues an explosive growth period for the Church in the past 12 months. And more is on the way, with openings in the coming year planned for cultural epicenters in Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom and North America.