Mauao Man

A Warning from the West: What New Zealand Can Learn from Europe

Part 2:

Why Looking Overseas Shows a Troubling Pattern That New Zealand Cannot Ignore

Introduction: Lessons From Overseas — Why the West’s Experience with Islam Is a Warning for New Zealand

If you look at Western countries that embraced multiculturalism, diversity, and open immigration, you might expect to see a story of peaceful integration and growing harmony. But the reality has often been the opposite. Over the past few decades, countries like France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and even Australia have seen their Muslim populations grow rapidly — and with that growth have come new challenges.

Parallel Societies: Muslim communities become self-contained, with their own schools, mosques, and even their own laws — Sharia councils that operate alongside national law.
Rising Radicalization: Hundreds of European Muslims joined ISIS, while homegrown extremists launched terror attacks on European soil.
Cultural Clashes: Debates over the hijab, gender segregation, halal certification, and free speech have become constant sources of tension.

New Zealand is still a step behind these countries, but that also means it has a chance to learn from their mistakes.

France: From Multiculturalism to No-Go Zones

France has the largest Muslim population in Western Europe — approximately 5.7 million Muslims, making up 8.8% of the population. But what began as a story of peaceful migration has turned into a story of cultural conflict.

1. Isolated Suburbs and No-Go Zones

Banlieues (Suburbs): Many French Muslims live in isolated, high-crime suburbs, cut off from the rest of French society.
Lack of Integration: In these suburbs, French values of secularism and free speech are often rejected in favor of conservative Islamic beliefs.
No-Go Zones: Even French police have admitted that there are areas they struggle to control, where Sharia rules are enforced by local gangs.

2. Radicalization and Terrorism

Multiple Terror Attacks: France has experienced some of the worst Islamic terrorist attacks in Europe — from the Charlie Hebdo massacre in 2015 to the Bataclan concert hall attack, which left 130 dead.
The Beheading of Samuel Paty: In 2020, a teacher was beheaded for showing cartoons of Muhammad in a lesson on free speech — a chilling reminder of the dangers of religious extremism.
Government Crackdowns: France has banned the burqa and the niqab in public, shut down extremist mosques, and launched programs to promote “republican values” in schools.

Germany: The Failure of “Multikulti”

Germany’s experience with Islam began with Turkish “guest workers” in the 1960s, who were expected to return home. But they didn’t — and their communities grew.

1. Parallel Societies

Turkish and Arab Communities: Many of these communities have become socially and culturally isolated, with their own mosques, schools, and Sharia councils.
Cultural Isolation: In some areas, conservative Islamic norms are enforced — women are pressured to wear the hijab, and young Muslims are discouraged from socializing with non-Muslims.

2. The 2015 Migrant Crisis

Over a Million Migrants: Chancellor Angela Merkel’s “open door” policy brought over a million mostly Muslim migrants to Germany in a single year.
Rising Crime and Terrorism: Germany has seen a surge in violent crime, sexual assaults, and multiple terrorist plots involving Islamist extremists.
Struggling with Integration: German society has struggled to integrate these newcomers, leading to a growing backlash against mass immigration.

United Kingdom: Diversity or Division?

The United Kingdom has approximately 3.4 million Muslims, making up 5.2% of the population. But the promise of diversity has often turned into a story of division.

1. Sharia Councils — Law Outside the Law

Over 80 Sharia Councils: These councils operate alongside British law, often ruling against women in family disputes, including divorce and child custody.
Conflicts with British Values: Women’s rights are often violated, but critics fear challenging Sharia councils will be seen as “Islamophobic.”

2. The Grooming Gangs Scandal

Systematic Abuse: Predominantly Muslim grooming gangs targeted underage girls for sexual exploitation in towns like Rotherham, Rochdale, and Telford.
Police and Social Services Failed: Authorities ignored the abuse for years, fearing accusations of racism.
A National Scandal: Over 1,400 girls were abused in Rotherham alone, and the problem was later found in multiple cities.

3. Radicalization and Terror Attacks

7/7 London Bombings (2005): 52 killed, hundreds injured.
Manchester Arena Attack (2017): 22 killed, including children.
A Culture of Silence: Authorities have often avoided honest discussions about Islamic extremism for fear of being called racist.

Sweden: From Tolerance to Tension

Sweden’s Muslim population has surged to 8.1% of the total, largely due to mass immigration. But the country’s reputation for tolerance is being tested.

1. No-Go Zones and Rising Crime

No-Go Zones: Swedish police have admitted that there are areas they struggle to control, where gangs enforce their own rules.
Grenade Attacks: Sweden has one of the highest rates of grenade attacks in Europe — a problem directly linked to migrant gang violence.
Honor-Based Violence: Young Muslim women who reject conservative values have been beaten or even killed by family members.

2. Cultural Clashes

Gender Segregation: Some Swedish schools have allowed gender-segregated swimming classes to accommodate Muslim students.
Free Speech Restrictions: Critics of Islam have been prosecuted for “hate speech,” leading to fears of censorship.
Rising Anti-Semitism: Jewish communities have faced harassment and even attacks, especially in cities with large Muslim populations.

Australia: A Warning for New Zealand?

Australia’s Muslim population is around 813,000 (3.2%), but it has already faced many of the challenges seen in Europe.

1. Radicalization and Terror Plots

Homegrown Extremism: Australians have joined ISIS, and others have been arrested for planning terrorist attacks.
Lindt Cafe Siege (2014): A self-proclaimed Islamic State supporter took hostages in Sydney, leading to a deadly standoff.

2. Cultural Isolation and Parallel Communities

Islamic Schools and Sharia Disputes: Controversies have erupted over Islamic schools teaching conservative values, and halal certification has become a contentious issue.
Sydney’s Western Suburbs: Some Muslim communities live in self-contained cultural enclaves, with limited integration.

Conclusion: A Warning for New Zealand

New Zealand is still a step behind other Western countries — but that also means it has a chance to learn from their mistakes.

Will it continue down the same path as France, Germany, and the UK — embracing mass immigration and ignoring cultural differences?
Or will it maintain a clear-eyed approach, welcoming peaceful Muslims while guarding against the dangers of isolation, radicalization, and cultural conflict?

History is a guide — but it is not a guarantee. What New Zealand chooses to do next is up to New Zealanders.

Islam in New Zealand: A Step Behind, But Catching Up? (Part 1)
History of Islam in New Zealand: From the First Arrivals to Today
Islam: What It Really Teaches — And What It Means for New Zealand

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.