[citation needed] Of those at least 15 years of age, 234 (27.5%) residents had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 111 (13.0%) people had no formal qualifications.

[4] The construction of the school and the temple commenced in the 1950s, overseen by George R. Beisinger, the general supervisor of Church building in the South Pacific.

Because of stringent economic conditions in New Zealand, no subcontractors could be engaged, no skilled labour was available, and there were no domestic sources of supply for the bulk of needed materials.

The workers were given a small allowance of 10 shillings per week for basic necessities, and initially were called to serve for two years.

[citation needed] When they arrived, the missionaries converged on a home called the "Green House" that had been moved from one part of the project to its new location for meetings, meals at times and as a general place to socialise.

The winter at this particular time was harsh (by New Zealand standards) and the land surrounding the green house was mud.

The only available form of transportation at the time happened to be a jeep which was put to good use by Elder Beisinger to get around the project.

Later early morning seminary type meetings were held on the building site for the missionaries before going to work.

[citation needed] Church activities started to be held at Temple View in 1954, and these were called "Hui Tau".

For the next "Hui Taus" accommodations were in tents which at the time were located on farmland below the schools tennis courts, next to what was called "Mara Park".

It was also standard procedure for golden queen peaches to be sent from Hawkes Bay to be made into preserves during the summer months.

[citation needed] "Kai Hall" became the church service building on Sunday while construction on site was in progress.

A band was formed from the building missionaries who were instrumentalists, which performed at concerts and for any major ball that was held.

In time the music of choice for local dances came from the younger missionary groups that comprised 3 guitarists and a drummer.

He initially came to curtail the building programme, but on visiting with the members, feeling their enthusiasm and goodwill and inspecting the construction sites he decided to expand it.

Immediately after the ceremony, excavation of the site was started, and within 72 hours a pit twice the size of a football field was dug out to a depth of 19 feet.

[citation needed] A choir was an integral part of church services, and it eventually became a strong focus for the musical talent of the missionaries during the building of the project.

[citation needed] Throughout the building of the project, church activity was conducted through the direction of leaders who were adamant about following correct procedure.

[citation needed] The building missionaries organised sports teams, and general weekly social activities.

Later the Monday night activity became a time when the building missionaries were able to evaluate their progress with reports on the status of the individual projects.