Aukland, New Zealand – To mark the UN International Day of Families, UPF-New Zealand adopted a new approach this year, focusing on youth and marriage. The event held on May 25, 2025 in the auditorium at the Te Tuhi Art Centre was themed “Youth Forum on Marriage and Family.” For the sake of the future, it is important to empower young people by encouraging them to establish strong marriages and stable families.
More than 60 participants attended. The program included short videos of interviews with young people on their views of marriage and family, followed by a discussion between four panelists from different faith traditions. These included Dr. Zain Ali, honorary research fellow in theological and religious studies at the University of Auckland, representing Islam; Mr. Levi Singsam representing the LDS Church; Miss Avneet Singh, representing Sikh Youth; and Mr. Amon Watanabe, representing FFWPU. The speakers left the audience with a great sense of hope for the future.
Music by a Maori Ratana church brass band from Kaitaia uplifted the atmosphere, along with a duet by youth from the LDS church, and a performance by the Botany Chinese Association dance team. The event concluded with refreshments and networking.
