Mauao Man

Islam in New Zealand: A Step Behind, But Catching Up?

Part 1:

Why New Zealand’s Muslim Population is Still Small Compared to Other Western Countries — But Not for Long

Introduction: A Small Community on the Rise

New Zealand’s Muslim population is currently around 57,276 (2018 Census), making up just 1.3% of the total population. Compared to other Western countries, this is a relatively small percentage. But in many ways, New Zealand is simply following a path that other Western nations have already traveled — a path that begins with a small, peaceful Muslim minority and gradually grows in size, influence, and visibility.

This post explores why New Zealand’s Muslim population is still relatively small, why that is changing, and what New Zealand can learn from the experiences of other Western countries.

How New Zealand Compares to Other Western Nations

While New Zealand’s Muslim population is small, other Western countries have seen their Muslim communities grow rapidly over the past few decades:

Country	Muslim Population	Percentage of Total Population
France	Approx. 5.7 million	8.8%
Germany	Approx. 5.3 million	6.4%
United Kingdom	Approx. 3.4 million	5.2%
Sweden	Approx. 810,000	8.1%
Australia	Approx. 813,000	3.2%
New Zealand	Approx. 57,276	1.3%

Why New Zealand’s Muslim Population is Smaller — For Now

Several factors have kept New Zealand’s Muslim population relatively low compared to other Western countries:

Later Waves of Immigration: New Zealand did not experience large-scale Muslim immigration until the late 20th century. European countries began receiving Muslim migrants much earlier, especially during the post-World War II period.
Geographic Isolation: As a remote island nation, New Zealand has generally had lower immigration rates than Europe or North America.
Selective Immigration Policies: New Zealand’s immigration system has historically favored skilled migrants, which has limited large-scale arrivals from many Muslim-majority countries.
No Colonial Connections: Unlike France (with Algeria) or the UK (with India and Pakistan), New Zealand has no historical colonial ties to Muslim-majority regions.

But Things Are Changing: Why New Zealand’s Muslim Population is Growing

While New Zealand’s Muslim community is still relatively small, several factors are driving its steady growth:

1. Refugee Arrivals

New Zealand has accepted Muslim refugees from war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Somalia.
These refugees often become permanent residents, eventually bringing family members through family reunification programs.

2. Family Reunification

Once Muslim migrants settle, they can sponsor family members, leading to gradual community growth.
Second-generation Muslims — children born in New Zealand — are also becoming a larger part of the population.

3. Conversions

Local converts, including Māori and European New Zealanders, are slowly increasing the Muslim population.
Organizations like the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and local mosques often offer support for new converts.

4. Natural Population Growth

Muslim families tend to have higher birth rates compared to the general population.
This natural growth means that even without large-scale immigration, the Muslim population will continue to increase.

The “Step Behind” Pattern: What Other Western Countries Have Experienced

What New Zealand is experiencing now has already happened in other Western countries:

France: From a Small Minority to Europe’s Largest Muslim Population

Initial Migration: France’s Muslim population began with migrant workers from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in the post-World War II period.
Rapid Growth: Today, France has approximately 5.7 million Muslims (8.8% of the population).
Rising Tensions: France has faced significant cultural and religious conflicts over issues like the hijab, halal certification, and Islamic radicalization.

Germany: The Legacy of Guest Workers

Turkish Migrants: Germany began receiving Turkish “guest workers” in the 1960s — but many stayed permanently.
Cultural Isolation: Many Turkish and Arab communities in Germany have become self-contained, with their own mosques, schools, and even Sharia councils.
The 2015 Migrant Crisis: Germany received over a million migrants, mostly Muslim, in a single year — leading to increased social tension.

United Kingdom: Diversity or Division?

South Asian Migration: The UK’s Muslim population began with migrants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Rapid Growth: Today, the UK has approximately 3.4 million Muslims (5.2% of the population).
Sharia Councils: Over 80 Sharia councils operate alongside British law, often ruling against women in family disputes.

Sweden: From Tolerance to Tension

Rapid Growth: Sweden’s Muslim population has surged to 8.1% of the total, largely due to mass immigration.
No-Go Zones: Swedish police have admitted there are areas they struggle to control, where Sharia rules are enforced by local gangs.
Cultural Clashes: Sweden’s traditional values of gender equality and free speech are being challenged by conservative Muslim groups.

What Comes Next for New Zealand?

If New Zealand follows the same pattern as other Western countries, several changes are likely:

1. Rapid Population Growth

The Muslim population could double or triple in the next 20-30 years due to immigration, family growth, and local conversions.

2. Increased Influence

Muslim community organizations like FIANZ could become more politically active, advocating for Islamic issues in education, media, and public policy.

3. The Rise of Islamic Schools

More Islamic schools like Al-Madinah and Zayed College for Girls may be established.
Islamic education may become a larger part of New Zealand’s education system.

4. Halal Certification Expansion

The halal food market could become a larger part of New Zealand’s economy, with more businesses seeking halal certification.

5. Interfaith Dialogues — and Tensions

As the Muslim community grows, there may be both increased interfaith cooperation and rising tensions over cultural differences.

Why Understanding This Trend Matters

It’s Not Just About Numbers: It’s about the influence that comes with those numbers — in politics, education, law, and media.
A Question of Identity: Will New Zealand remain a secular, free-thinking society? Or will it adopt the cultural and legal norms of its growing minority communities?
Learning from Other Countries: By understanding the experiences of Europe, the UK, and Australia, New Zealanders can better prepare for the changes to come.

Conclusion: A Small Community — For Now

New Zealand’s Muslim population is still relatively small, but it is growing. And if history is any guide, that growth will bring both opportunities and challenges.

Will New Zealand learn from the experiences of other Western countries — or repeat their mistakes?
Will it remain a secular, free society — or adopt the cultural and legal norms of its growing minority communities?

The future is not set — but understanding the past is the first step in shaping it.

A Warning from the West: What New Zealand Can Learn from Europe (Part 2)
History of Islam in New Zealand: From the First Arrivals to Today
Islam’s Many Faces: Why One Faith Can Look So Different Around the World

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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.