Announcement of Unit Conventions for 2025
The upcoming unit conventions, set for Sunday 9 February 2025, mark an important occasion for adult members of the Bahá’í community to engage in the sacred process of electing delegates to the National Convention. These elected delegates will then carry out the important responsibility of electing the members of the National Spiritual Assembly during the National Convention.
Unit conventions are a central feature of the Bahá’í electoral system. All eligible believers are encouraged to participate in this unique process. Every adult believer aged 18 and over is given the opportunity to vote, while those who are 21 years or older are eligible to be elected. This process is conducted in a spirit of prayer and reflection and enables believers to play an integral part in electing Aotearoa’s National Spiritual Assembly with resolute and thoughtful consideration.
The National Spiritual Assembly sent the following notice to all Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í groups on Monday 16 December. It includes a table of Units, showing the configuration of electoral units and the number of delegates for each. Timings and locations of Unit Conventions for each unit will be shared by each host Assembly when these are finalised.
16 December 2024
To all Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups
Dear Friends
"On the election day, the friends must whole-heartedly participate in the elections, in unity and amity, turning their hearts to God, detached from all things but Him, seeking His guidance and supplicating His aid and bounty." — Shoghi Effendi
The unit conventions throughout Aotearoa will be held on Sunday 9 February 2025. This is, of course, an important date for people to mark on their calendars. And knowing which communities/localities are included in each electoral unit enables friends to be giving early consideration to the individual or individuals who they may vote for as their delegate/s. A table of units is therefore provided as an attachment to this email, showing the configuration of electoral units and the number of delegates for each.
Venues and times will be announced once all host Assemblies have made arrangements.
Preparation by the friends for the occasion will enhance their ability to contribute more effectively and meaningfully on the day. In support of this, there will be an article published this week in the national online newsletter “Bahá’í Aotearoa”.
Your devoted efforts to encourage participation in the unit conventions, and well-informed involvement in the proceedings, are warmly appreciated.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand
Guidance on voting
Some guidance about voting is linked for download at the button below.
