In a special gathering for young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last night, Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, stressed the importance of having a positive attitude. He told the nearly 2,000 who were in attendance, that the single most important factor in determining a successful life is not ability, rather it is attitude and determination.
He went on to emphasize the importance of learning, saying that "the power of education is absolutely remarkable."
Elder James J. Hamula, Pacific Area President for the Church, echoed this counsel, and then told the youth that missionary service, education and marriage in the temple are "three pillars to a great life."
Elder F. Michael Watson, of the Pacific Area Presidency, told the youth to be the best they can be, and to "make the sacrifice, do the service, and the Lord will bless you."
Prior to the meeting, the Prime Minister and other special guests met and visited individually with a small group of youth from across Auckland.
He told the teens that despite what some may say, the overwhelming majority of New Zealand's youth are "doing great."
The meeting was held in the Latter-day Saints' Pah Rd. chapel in the Auckland suburb of Mt. Roskill.
There are over 100,000 Latter-day Saints in New Zealand, part of a worldwide membership of over 14 million.