Mission guide

New Zealand Wellington Mission

The New Zealand Wellington Mission serves in and around the capital of a country known for Māori heritage, ocean views, and strong Church history.

  • English
  • Maori
Shop the shirts
New Zealand Wellington Mission Heart Map design

New Zealand Wellington Mission shirts

Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.

New Zealand Wellington Mission T-Shirt in Solid White, front view

New Zealand Wellington Mission T-Shirt

$29.00

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New Zealand Wellington Mission Heart Map shirt in White: New Zealand outline with a red heart, front view

New Zealand Wellington Mission Heart Map Shirt

$29.00

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I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission

2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.

I Glory in My Jesus shirt in English on White: “I glory in my Jesus”, 2 Nephi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Shirt

$29.00

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I Glory in My Jesus script shirt in English, white ink on Dark Chocolate: “I glory in my Jesus”, 2 Nephi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Script Shirt (White Ink)

$29.00

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I Glory in My Jesus shirt in Maori on White: “E korōria ana au i tōku Ihu”, 2 Nīwhai 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Shirt – Maori

$29.00

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I Glory in My Jesus script shirt in Maori, white ink on Dark Chocolate: “E korōria ana au i tōku Ihu”, 2 Nīwhai 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Script Shirt (White Ink) – Maori

$29.00

Choose size & color →

See every mission language →

About the mission

The New Zealand Wellington Mission is centered in Wellington, the capital city on New Zealand’s North Island. Wellington is a gateway to the lower North Island and the Cook Strait.

English and Māori are spoken in the mission. Missionaries will find English widely used, while Māori names, greetings, and cultural traditions are an important part of life in New Zealand.

At a glance

Country
New Zealand
Main city
Wellington (210,800 people, estimated 2025)
Time zone
New Zealand Time (UTC+12)
Climate
Temperate maritime, with mild winters, warm summers, rain throughout the year, and frequent strong winds
Church in New Zealand
120,992 members, 28 stakes, 219 congregations
Church organization
171 wards, 48 branches, 2 districts, and 3 missions

A short history of the area

Māori settlement in the Wellington area dates back to at least about 925 CE. The explorer Kupe was said to have stayed in Wellington Harbour, and the area was later settled by Māori groups including Rangitāne and Muaūpoko. Other iwi later arrived, including Ngāti Toa, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga, Taranaki, and Ngāti Ruanui.

European settlement began in 1839 when Colonel William Wakefield arrived for the New Zealand Company. The company’s advance party arrived on the Tory on September 20, 1839, followed by 150 settlers on the Aurora on January 22, 1840. Wellington became New Zealand’s capital in 1865, replacing Auckland.

The Church here

  1. 1854Martha Holder of Karori became the first person baptized in New Zealand.
  2. 1855The first Latter-day Saint branch in New Zealand was organized at Karori near Wellington.
  3. 1889The Book of Mormon was first published in Māori.
  4. 1958The Hamilton New Zealand Temple was dedicated.
  5. 1958The Auckland Stake was organized as the first stake in New Zealand.
  6. 1977A missionary training center opened in New Zealand.
  7. 2016The 30th stake in New Zealand was established in Dunedin.
  8. 2018A second temple was announced for Auckland.

Temples nearby

Wellington New Zealand Temple

Under construction · Near Wellington

Hamilton New Zealand Temple

Dedicated April 20, 1958 · About 245 miles from Wellington

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

English Read it free → Maori Read it free →

Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Before you go

Phrases to learn

  • Kia oraHello, thank you, or good health
  • Tēnā koeGreetings to one person
  • Ka kiteSee you
  • Ngā mihiBest wishes or thanks

Foods to try

  • Flat white (espresso coffee with steamed milk)
  • Lamb (a widely enjoyed New Zealand meat)
  • Pāua (abalone, a shellfish used in fritters and other dishes)
  • Pavlova (a meringue dessert topped with fruit and cream)

Fun facts

  • Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital city of a sovereign state.
  • Wellington is known as “Windy Wellington” and has an average wind speed of 27 km/h.
  • Wellington was designated a UNESCO City of Film in 2019.

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