KEY POINTS:
As consumerism, drugs, sex and alcohol sweep over today's youth, the Baha'i community is trying to stem the tide.
The faith, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in New Zealand tonight, has begun a programme of moral and spiritual education for youths aged 11-15, regardless of their beliefs.
Although the faith was introduced here in 1912, it was not until April 1957 that the governing body, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of New Zealand, was established.
The programme is a way of getting youth together "with trained facilitators and having them explore whatever the major pressures might be - drugs, and alcohol and sex, for instance - and then preparing them for how they will make decisions wisely," said national executive secretary Suzanne Mahon. "So often they get launched out into the world and they've made some unwise decisions that put them down a path they don't necessarily want to go down."
Mrs Mahon said it was an attempt to counter the materialism and moral breakdown in society.
"If they don't have a sense of their own worth and dignity they maybe latch on to things - 'What do I need to make me a good person? Flash cars and clothes?"'
The nationwide programme, through schools and youth groups, was one of the most important projects the faith had under way, she said.
Tonight, though, the community will reflect on its history at a celebration at the Auckland Museum, where Governor-General Anand Satyanand and former Labour MP Murray Smith are to speak.
Mr Smith, who spent 13 years at the Baha'i World Centre in Israel before returning this year, said: "In this time the New Zealand Baha'i community has made significant contributions to fostering such values as racial harmony, the advancement of women, moral development, and family life."
Mrs Mahon said Baha'is were now found in virtually every district of New Zealand from Far North to Bluff.
"Adherents come from many different ethnic backgrounds, and include Maori, Pacific Islanders, Europeans, Iranians and Asians."
Actor Ilona Rodgers is one; another is Jenny Hindin-Miller, director of Karanga Mai Young Parents College.
The Baha'i Faith
* Founded by Persian nobleman Baha'u'llah in the mid-19th century.
* Essential message is that of unity, "The Earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens," Baha'u'llah wrote.
* Established in more than 190 countries.
* First introduced to New Zealand in 1912.
* There are an estimated 4000 followers in New Zealand.
