[7] Formal LDS Church missionary proselytizing began on 20 October 1854 by William Cooke and Thomas Holden, under the direction of mission president Augustus Farnham.

However, due to lack of materials and interested individuals, the initial work was slow up until the 1870s when missionaries had more resources.

[9] The LDS Church continues to hold a notable and respected presence in New Zealand, the first account being when Colonial Minister of Native affairs praised Mormonism for bringing good citizens to his nation back in 1912.

[10] Despite the country being more than three quarters Māori, primitive missionary efforts focused on teaching the English-speaking Europeans living within New Zealand.

[11]: 284  It was not until the 1880s that missionary efforts shifted from exclusively preaching to the Pākehā (Europeans) to branching out to the indigenous Māori population.

The entire cost of £371 to print the Book of Mormon was paid for by local New Zealand church members.

With the help of Wiremu Duncan and Stuart Meha, the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price were translated and eventually published in 1919.

The MLA declared Māori as an official language of New Zealand and greatly encouraged biculturalism in the church.

Following the MLA, the church removed language restrictions from its meetings, blessings, and more importantly, funerals, a sacred Māori practice.

The first noted church events under the MLA include the dedication of the LDS marae (community centre) and wharenui (large ceremonial house).

[16] After seeing a growing need for education in Māori villages, the LDS Church opened elementary schools to teach children in the English Language.

[8]: 20  The college experienced great success, and on 11 January 1958, 18 American teachers were sent on the Mariposa to meet the needs of the area.

[7] In addition to involvement in formal education, the church also began to operate the seminary program in New Zealand.

This ban was formed under the premise that American missionaries were allegedly trying to convince Māori to move to the United States with them.

[8]: 85  Other officials from Salt Lake City in attendance included Delbert L. Stapley, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Marion G.