when the first presidency speaks

http://www.ldschurch.org.nz/pdf/news/ccnz.htm

For those interested .. the church has decided what to do with the CCNZ site and indeed all of the land surrounding the temple at Hamilton NZ .. They are going to return it too pasture .. you can read the full article at the above link .. I wonder if their returning to pasture includes the temple motels, teachers houses, and MTC ?? surely not.

What does ‘returning the land to pasture’ mean?
The Church will ensure that the components of all CCNZ buildings designated to be dismantled will be removed, including foundations and other construction elements. No building materials will be left in place. The land will be beautified and grassed. Fencing on the street boundaries will be built to high standards.

What buildings and structures will remain on the site?
The Hamilton New Zealand Temple will remain and will continue to be the Church’s spiritual focal point in Temple View. It is proposed that two CCNZ buildings, the Kai Hall and George R. Biesinger Hall, be retained and incorporated into the temple precinct. If it is determined that these buildings need to be upgraded to reflect seismic or other building requirements, this will occur after consultation with the appropriate civil authorities. The Church is assessing if it is feasible for the sports field, terraced seating, changing rooms and the parking area to be retained for the use of the local community. A decision to retain the sporting facilities is not a certainty, however.

What regulatory consents will be required for the Church to proceed with this proposal?
The church is in the process of determining what consents will be required to proceed with its plans. As has always been the case, it values its close working relationship with the elected officers and staff of the Hamilton City Council and will consult carefully with the relevant personnel to ensure that all legislative requirements are fulfilled.

What opportunities are there for creation of a local high school to replace Church College?
This is a matter for local parents and community leaders to examine. We have been informed that some parties have been investigating a proposal for a high school to be built in association with the existing Koromatua Primary School. The Church is not a participant in these discussions except with reference to being a potential source of real estate.

Has the Church considered other uses for the CCNZ buildings rather than having the buildings removed?
The church has considered other uses for the buildings. However, because they were constructed specifically for a high school, it has made it difficult for them to be altered to any other purpose. It was more likely that the buildings would have remained empty and potentially in disrepair for a considerable period and therefore subject to vandalism. This would have had a detrimental impact on the temple and also on the community. The Church was also concerned to ensure that no activities would occur in the buildings that would have been inconsistent with its own values. Thus, the Church decided that it would have been inappropriate to turn the facility over to other community groups or educational agencies.