HAMILTON, New Zealand — A group of people committed to fighting evil can make a difference; just ask Tony McKenna and Tom Sutcliffe.

Teaming with prominent religious leaders in their community, the pair helped fight the construction of a casino here — an enormous task considering that last fall officials announced that the casino had been approved for the city where the Hamilton New Zealand Temple is located.

"We remained determined to overcome this decision," said Brother McKenna, a member of the Cowley Ward, Temple View New Zealand Stake, and chairman of the casino opposition action committee.

After the decision, a combined churches group and individual private plaintiffs lodged an application for a judicial review in New Zealand High Court. Brother McKenna was one of the plaintiffs and Brother Sutcliffe, of the Hamilton East Ward, Hamilton New Zealand Glenview Stake, the instructing solicitor.

"Tony and I have our own businesses and the three-year campaign and time commitment has not been easy; however, we both recognize that the promotion of positive and enduring values in the community is our mandate as priesthood holders," said Brother Sutcliffe.

Their efforts paid off May 24, when a judge delivered a landmark decision, citing bias by a member of the government-appointed authority and overturned the casino approval — a rare event in the western world.

At the official function following the victory, Brother McKenna was given a civic award. City officials then paid a glowing tribute to the Church and thanked its members for their involvement on the anti-casino committee.

"It has been a miraculous thing," said Rulon Craven, president of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, located not far from the proposed casino site. "They made up their mind and were committed. They went to work to beat it and they did. It just shows what a group of people can do who are committed to fighting evil."

Brother McKenna and Brother Sutcliffe were two of numerous Church members involved in the anti-casino movement. Both have worked closely with the mayor and counselors and have forged close links with other Christian groups. "We have been lauded and praised by various city leaders," said Brother McKenna. "We have been invited to join the Interfaith Forum."

While the casino industry plans to appeal this decision, Brother McKenna believes the anti-casino movement will prevail in further judgements.

"I know the impact that even a couple of committed Latter-day Saints can make," he said.