During an 18,000-mile journey that will take him through New Zealand and Australia, President Gordon B. Hinckley visited the land "down under" May 8-18.

The trip was reminiscent of a previous visit to the area. President Hinckley visited New Zealand - to participate in the dedication of the temple in Hamilton on April 20, 1958 - as one of his first responsibilities as a new General Authority after he was called as an Assistant to the Twelve April 6, 1958. Now he returned to the land as president of the Church.In Hamilton, New Zealand, President Hinckley participated in a regional conference, and in Auckland, New Zealand, he spoke at a member fireside, met with missionaries and took part in two press interviews.

President Hinckley's 10-day journey also took him through five cities in Australia: Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane.

The prophet was accompanied by his wife, Marjorie, and Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve and his wife, Kathleen. Joining them in New Zealand were Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy and first counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency and his wife, Marie.

The Hamilton New Zealand Regional Conference on May 10-11 drew nearly 10,000 members from 13 stakes and five districts from throughout New Zealand. A priesthood leadership meeting May 10 - in the David O. McKay Auditorium at the Church College of New Zealand in nearby Temple View - was attended by 1,371 leaders. A traditional Maori welcome was given to President Hinckley following the leadership meeting.

The two general sessions on May 11 - celebrated as Mother's Day in New Zealand as well as in the United States - were held at the Mystery Creek Event Center in Hamilton.

During the regional conference, President Hinckley paid tribute to mothers, and particularly to Sister Hinckley. The prophet dubbed his wife "Sister Endurance" for her faith and support of him through the years.

He remembered his first visit to New Zealand in 1958 at the time of the dedication of the New Zealand Temple, and spoke of the need for the brethren to respect and love their wives.

He told the brethren, "[Each of you should] treat your wife with kindness, deference and respect. She stands as an equal with you before the Lord. You walk side by side as companions."

He related a story of a man from Perth, Australia, who he met at the time of the New Zealand Temple dedication. The man told of the sacrifice he and his family made to come to the temple to be sealed as a family. At a time when they felt they could not financially do it, he looked at his wife and children, and decided that he could not afford not to do it. They sold their car, furniture, dishes and silverware to fund their trip to the temple to be sealed.

"I have watched this family in the years since, and the God of Heaven has blessed them," President Hinckley said.

He encouraged the members to be worthy of and hold a current temple recommend and to use it.

"I hope every man and woman in this hall is worthy to go to the house of the Lord. It is His desire that you use it for His eternal purposes to bless you, your families, your marriages, and all of God's children in all generations of time."

During his remarks, the prophet looked upon the congregation - comprised of several ethnic groups - and told them, "You are a fulfillment of Peter's words, `of truth I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.' " (Acts 10:34-35.)

Calling attention to the fact that the first stake organized outside of North America occurred in New Zealand in 1958, President Hinckley rehearsed how the Church has grown to its current position today, with a burgeoning membership of nearly 10 million in more than 160 nations.

The Church is now the sixth largest religion in New Zealand - "a vast congregation" now numbering more than 84,000 in 25 stakes in this nation. "The Church is a miracle," said the prophet.

Later, on May 11, President Hinckley traveled to Auckland, where an evening outdoor fireside was held at the North Harbour Stadium for more than 12,000 members from 12 stakes in the greater Auckland area.

Intermittent rain showers did not deter the attendance of those who wished to see and hear their prophet-leader. President Hinckley addressed his remarks to the young people.

"You are the future of the Church in New Zealand," he told them. "You must live the gospel, you must do what is right. You young men, I emphasize strongly, that it is your obligation and opportunity to go forth and serve as missionaries."

During the fireside a choir of nearly 700 young single adults gave powerful voice to the hymns rendered. Included inthe choir was the visiting tour group "Living Legends" of Brigham Young University, who had just completed a week-long tour of New Zealand, donating all concert proceeds to a local children's hospital.

As President Hinckley departed the stadium, there was an outpouring of love expressed in a standing ovation and vigorous waves of good-bye.