The New Zealand Temple was the first to be built in the Southern Hemisphere. Less than a month after its dedication, New Zealand achieved another first with the organisation of the Auckland Stake—the first to be created anywhere outside of North America. Within three years, the Auckland Stake was divided to form the Hamilton Stake, and another new stake was created in Hawkes Bay; a Wellington Stake was not far behind. The formation of these stakes reflected the tremendous growth in New Zealand’s Latter-day Saint population during these years: from 15,600 in 1957 to 25,564 in 1966, an increase of 64 percent. The priesthood keys pertaining to Church administration in New Zealand were finally held by local leaders who were better positioned to understand the needs of their congregations and help individuals prepare for temple service.