Mauao Man

After Christchurch: The Muslim Voices That Defined a Nation

How Tragedy Brought New Zealand’s Muslim Leaders into the Spotlight

Introduction: From Quiet Presence to Public Platform

For years, Islam in New Zealand was a quiet, growing community, often unnoticed by the wider public. But the horrific Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019 changed everything. Overnight, Muslim leaders who were once relatively unknown found themselves in the national spotlight, representing their community, advocating for justice, and speaking for a grieving nation.

But these public figures are more than just representatives. Many were already making an impact in New Zealand, in sports, politics, music, and community leadership. In this post, we look at some of the most well-known Muslim Kiwis — who they are, what they have achieved, and how Christchurch brought some of them to national attention.

1. Sonny Bill Williams: The Sporting Legend Turned Advocate

Who He Is: A former professional rugby player, boxer, and one of New Zealand’s most celebrated athletes. Williams has played for the All Blacks, winning two Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015).
His Faith Journey: Sonny Bill Williams converted to Islam in 2009, a decision that brought him personal peace and discipline. He has spoken openly about how Islam has shaped his values.
After Christchurch: Williams became a visible supporter of the Muslim community, attending vigils and using his social media to promote messages of unity and support. He became a voice of compassion, calling for understanding and empathy.

2. Anjum Rahman: The Activist Who Stepped Forward

Who She Is: A social activist, human rights advocate, and co-founder of the Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono.
Her Faith Journey: Anjum Rahman is a practicing Muslim of Indian descent who has spent years advocating for women’s rights, diversity, and interfaith dialogue.
After Christchurch: Rahman became a leading spokesperson for the Muslim community, providing a calm, clear, and compassionate voice. She used her platform to call for action against hate and to promote interfaith understanding.

3. Dr. Anwar Ghani: The Community Leader Under Pressure

Who He Is: A respected medical doctor and former president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ).
His Faith Journey: A lifelong Muslim originally from Fiji, Dr. Ghani has spent decades promoting interfaith understanding and supporting the Muslim community in New Zealand.
After Christchurch: As a community leader, he became one of the most recognized Muslim figures in New Zealand, providing comfort to grieving families and answering tough questions from the media.

4. Farid Ahmed: The Man Who Forgave the Killer

Who He Is: A survivor of the Christchurch attacks who lost his wife, Husna, in the massacre.
His Faith Journey: A practicing Muslim of Bangladeshi origin, Farid Ahmed is known for his deep faith and positive outlook.
After Christchurch: Ahmed stunned the nation when he publicly forgave the attacker who killed his wife, saying, “I want peace, and I want love.” His words became a global symbol of forgiveness and faith overcoming hate.

5. Mazbou Q (Hugh Ozumba): The Afro-Kiwi Musician with a Message

Who He Is: A New Zealand-Nigerian rapper and music producer known for his unique blend of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and social commentary.
His Faith Journey: Raised in a Christian family, Mazbou Q later embraced Islam, finding in it a sense of spiritual purpose and social justice.
After Christchurch: He used his music and social media to speak out against racism, hate, and extremism. His platform became a place for unity and understanding.

6. Imam Gamal Fouda: The Voice of Faith and Healing

Who He Is: The imam of Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch, one of the two mosques attacked in 2019.
His Faith Journey: A religious leader originally from Egypt, Imam Gamal Fouda became a symbol of resilience and forgiveness after the attacks.
After Christchurch: Fouda’s words at the national remembrance service were broadcast worldwide: “We are broken-hearted, but we are not broken.” His leadership helped guide his community through grief and toward healing.

7. Ashraf Choudhary: The Political Pioneer

Who He Is: New Zealand’s first Muslim Member of Parliament, serving with the Labour Party from 2002 to 2011.
His Faith Journey: A practicing Muslim originally from Pakistan, Choudhary has been an advocate for social justice, education, and interfaith dialogue.
After Christchurch: Although no longer in Parliament, Choudhary’s legacy as New Zealand’s first Muslim MP remains a symbol of political inclusion.

8. Sonny Tau: The Māori Leader Who Embraced Islam

Who He Is: A respected Māori leader from Ngāpuhi and former chairman of the Iwi Leaders Forum.
His Faith Journey: Tau embraced Islam later in life, finding spiritual purpose and community within the faith.
After Christchurch: Tau’s story became part of a broader narrative of diversity within Islam in New Zealand, showing that Islam is not just a migrant faith.

What These Figures Reveal About Islam in New Zealand

These well-known Muslim Kiwis are not just individuals; they are symbols of faith, resilience, and leadership. For some, Islam is a private, personal belief. For others, it is part of their public identity. But they all show that Muslims in New Zealand are part of the national story — not just as a faith community, but as leaders, advocates, artists, and survivors.

Christchurch: A Tragedy That Brought New Voices to Light

The Christchurch mosque attacks were a tragedy, but they also revealed the strength, compassion, and resilience of New Zealand’s Muslim community. Leaders who were once quiet voices became national figures. Acts of courage and forgiveness were broadcast to the world.

But this moment also raised an important question: Can we celebrate the compassion of these Muslim leaders while still asking honest questions about Islam as an ideology? Respect for people must never become a barrier to honest dialogue about ideas.

Conclusion: Respect People, Question Ideas

New Zealand is a place of diversity, but it must also be a place of free and honest conversation. We can honor the courage of these Muslim leaders without shying away from tough questions about the beliefs they hold.

Real tolerance means respecting people while keeping ideas open to scrutiny. We can stand with Muslims against hate while still examining what Islam teaches — just as we would with any other belief system.

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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.