Fire Damages Te Hauke Latter-day Saint Chapel

Te Hauke — Early this morning, a fire caused significant damage to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Te Hauke, Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Te Matau a Māui.

Local Church leader, Stake President Justin Edwards, expressed gratitude that no one was injured, despite the extent of the damage:

“We are saddened at the damage to the chapel and the impact it may have had on people and on the community. We can replace things and buildings but we can’t replace people, and with that we are grateful that no one was hurt.”

Church officials are awaiting a Police report and will be guided by the Church Facilities team on next steps for repairs and restoration.

Community kaumātua Jerry Hapuku has called for a community and whānau-led karakia outside the damaged chapel at 7pm tonight to bring everyone together in unity and healing.

For safety reasons, attendees are asked to park at Kahuranaki Marae and walk across from there. The chapel remains an active investigation site, and the public is reminded not to enter the building.

This has been a deeply felt event for the local community, but as always, the strength of whanaungatanga and aroha shines through in times of hardship.