Mauao Man

Friday, May 9, 2025

Islam in New Zealand Today: Diversity, Growth, and New Voices

How a Growing Community Balances Faith, Identity, and Integration

Introduction: A Quiet but Rapidly Growing Community

Islam is New Zealand’s fastest-growing religion. According to the 2018 census, over 57,000 Muslims call New Zealand home — nearly double the number from 2001. But these numbers tell only part of the story. Islam in New Zealand today is a complex, diverse, and evolving community, shaped by migration, local conversions, and global events.

In this post, we take a clear look at Islam in New Zealand today — who makes up this community, how they practice their faith, the challenges they face, and the ongoing questions about integration, identity, and social impact.

The Nationwide Picture: Where New Zealand’s Muslims Live

Islam is a growing faith in New Zealand, but its population is not evenly distributed across the country.

Region	Estimated Muslim Population	Percentage of Regional Population
Auckland	37,000 - 40,000	2.4% of Auckland’s population
Wellington	6,000 - 7,000	1.2% of Wellington’s population
Christchurch	4,000 - 5,000	1.0% of Christchurch’s population
Hamilton	2,000 - 3,000	0.8% of Hamilton’s population
Other Regions	3,000 - 4,000	0.3% - 0.5% of regional population
Nationwide	57,276 (2018 Census)	1.3% of New Zealand’s population

A Note on Population Estimates:

Statistics New Zealand has not yet released the 2023 Census results, which would provide the most accurate and updated count of Muslims in New Zealand.
Community Estimates: Some Muslim organizations, such as the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), have suggested that the Muslim population could now be around 70,000 - 80,000 due to ongoing migration, local conversions, and natural population growth.

Who Are New Zealand’s Muslims?

Islam in New Zealand is not a monolithic community. It is made up of people from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Here is a clear breakdown:

Community	Estimated Population	Main Locations
South Asian Muslims (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan)	Approx. 20,000 - 25,000	Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
Middle Eastern Muslims (Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Egypt)	Approx. 10,000 - 15,000	Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton
Pacific Island Muslims (Fijian Muslims)	Approx. 5,000 - 7,000	Auckland (especially South Auckland)
African Muslims (Somali, Sudanese, Ethiopian)	Approx. 3,000 - 5,000	Auckland, Wellington
Local Converts (European and Māori Muslims)	Approx. 2,000 - 3,000	Nationwide

This diversity means that there is no single “Muslim community” in New Zealand. Instead, there are many communities — some conservative, some liberal, some tightly connected, others loosely associated.

Where Do Muslims Live in New Zealand?

Auckland: Home to the largest Muslim population, with numerous mosques, Islamic schools, and community organizations.
Wellington: A growing Muslim community with active interfaith dialogue initiatives.
Christchurch: A community that became a global symbol of resilience and compassion after the 2019 mosque attacks.
Hamilton, Dunedin, and Other Regional Centers: Smaller Muslim populations, but still active in community life.

Mosques are central to Muslim community life, providing not just places of worship but also social, educational, and cultural spaces. Some of the largest mosques include the Al Noor Mosque (Christchurch), Ponsonby Mosque (Auckland), and the Hamilton Mosque.

How Do New Zealand Muslims Practice Their Faith?

While Islam is one faith, Muslims in New Zealand practice it in a variety of ways:

Sunni Muslims: The majority, following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad through the Sunni tradition.
Shia Muslims: A smaller but significant community, including followers of the Ithna Ashari (Twelver) and Ismaili branches.
Ahmadiyya Muslims: A minority group that faces discrimination in some Muslim-majority countries but is free to practice openly in New Zealand.
Quranist Muslims: A small group who reject the Hadith and follow the Quran alone.

Religious Practices Vary Widely:

Prayer: Some Muslims are strict in observing the five daily prayers, while others are more relaxed.
Dress: Some Muslim women wear the hijab (headscarf), while others do not. Some men maintain beards as a religious practice, while others do not.
Diet: Many Muslims observe halal dietary rules, but others are less strict.
Festivals: Eid al-Fitr (celebrating the end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (the festival of sacrifice) are major celebrations.

The Impact of the Christchurch Mosque Attacks

The Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019 were a turning point for Islam in New Zealand. The tragedy brought international attention to New Zealand’s Muslim community and sparked a wave of national solidarity. But it also raised difficult questions:

Safety and Security: Muslim communities became more aware of the threat of hate crimes. Security at mosques was increased.
Government Support: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s compassionate response became a symbol of empathy and unity. Gun laws were reformed.
Honest Dialogue or Silence? While sympathy grew, open conversations about Islam became more difficult. Criticism of Islamic beliefs is now more likely to be labeled “Islamophobia.”

Conclusion: More Than Just a Number

Islam in New Zealand today is not just a growing statistic — it is a dynamic, diverse community facing both opportunities and challenges. From the resilience shown after Christchurch to the quiet faith of everyday Muslims, this community is part of the nation’s evolving story.

But understanding Islam in New Zealand means more than just celebrating diversity. It means asking honest questions, facing uncomfortable truths, and balancing respect for people with critical thinking about ideas.

New Zealand’s strength is its openness — let’s keep it that way.

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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.