In any given village, town or city where Bahá’ís may live, they together form a community that meets regularly for activities that build unity among the members and for putting Bahá’í ideals into practice. The local community engages in collective worship, service projects and social interaction. Its various activities support the spiritual, intellectual, artistic and practical aspects of life.

Study circles, devotional gatherings, and children's classes are among the core activities of Bahá'í community life. A formal Feast is held every 19 days to mark the beginning of each Bahá'í month. The Bahá'í calendar includes 11 Holy Days, commemorating historic and spiritually significant events, such as the births and passings of the two Prophet/Founders of the Bahá'í Faith, the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, the days on which they announced their Revelations from God to their followers, and the Bahá'í New Year, or Naw-Ruz.

As there are no clergy in the Bahá’í Faith, the affairs of each local Bahá’í community, where there are nine adults or more, are administered by a “Local Spiritual Assembly”, consisting of nine people elected yearly from among the adult members of the community. In the Bahá’í election process, there is no campaigning for office, and every adult member is automatically eligible for election (without nomination). Voting is conducted prayerfully.

There are more than 65 local Bahá’í communities around New Zealand, the large city communities having hundreds of members, while some rural areas having just two or three.

To make contact with the Bahá’í community in your area, please email the Bahá’í National Office for assistance using the form on our contact page, or phone 0800-BAHAIS, or fax 09-837 4898.