PHOTO
A Dunedin secondary school teacher has been re-elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of New Zealand.
John McGlashan College history teacher Peter Manins is one of nine members of the national governing body which administers the affairs of the 4000-strong New Zealand Baha'i community.
Mr Manins said he had served on the national body for 12 years and had been a member of the Baha'i faith for more than 30 years.
More than 50 delegates participated in the unique election process during a convention held recently at the Auckland Baha'i Centre, he said.
"Voting takes place in an atmosphere of reverence and meditative contemplation. There is no nomination or electioneering. Election is based on the qualities and character of the individuals who are regarded as best fitted to serve."
Mr Manins said the convention gave delegates an opportunity to plan their year ahead and discuss moral development programmes for children and youth, which were gaining momentum throughout the country.
"It was interesting to meet delegates from such a wide range of ethnic groups and to find such a widespread common concern with junior youth and their need for quality programmes to imbue them with a sense of purpose in life, and to nurture their natural enthusiasm to contribute positively to their society."
Delegates were also updated on the persecution of the Baha'is of Iran, including the imprisonment of seven of the country's unofficial Baha'i leaders and the denial of education to Iran's Baha'i community. The defence of the Baha'is of Iran was of grave concern to Baha'is worldwide, Mr Manins said.