The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand ( FIANZ) was established in 1978 when four local associations from different cities in New Zealand joined together to form one national organization for Muslims of New Zealand. The Muslim population then was hardly more than 3,000.
The Muslim population of New Zealand in 2014 is estimated to be around 55,000. We now have over 50 Masaajid, mussali and Islamic centres spread around the country, the largest number being in Auckland where almost 40,000 Muslims live.
As the Muslim population grew, more Islamic Associations were formed and now FIANZ has 7 Associations from different cities as its members. Most of the massajid and centres are owned and managed by local muslims under Trust management structure.
FIANZ is the sole voice of Muslims nationally and internationally. It is consulted by the Government on any matter affecting the muslims. It also has a working relationship with various departments of the Government.
Under the guidance of the Ulema the religious services are provided to the community. Festivals of eid, commencement of Month of Ramadhan is all held on the one and the same day, Alhamdulillah.
The only source of income for FIANZ has been from certifying meat as halal for export to Islamic and other Countries. The yearly income from this has been less than a million dollar, except for the last two years. Most of the income it earns is used for expenses associated with the certifying process.
The officials of FIANZ are all volunteers and any monetary compensation for their time in halal certifying business is fully donated to FIANZ. The savings over these years have been used to assist the muslim communities in New Zealand in forms of grants and soft loans to advance their social, religious and educational needs through establishing masaajid, mussalis and school.
The officials of FIANZ are also aware that it cannot rely entirely on income from Halal certification. As more individuals are entering the market and competing with FIANZ, it is diminishing the income from halal certification for FIANZ.
For this reason FIANZ has begun to invest in buying commercial rental properties. It has two such properties at the moment which is considered to be a safe investment. It plans to own more such properties as funds become available.
In keeping with its aims and objectives as contained in its Constitution, it has decided to establish an Islamic Cultural, Dawah and Dialogue Centre in Auckland. It is major project and once it is up and running it will be a major milestone for the Muslims of New Zealand.
The Auckland Council has now given its approval under the Resource Management Act 1991 to develop such a centre. It will include:
FIANZ through its savings has managed to acquire 4.5 ha (10 acres) of land (48,000 square metres).
The next stage is to prepare a detailed building plan and get it approved by the Auckland Council. Once this has been achieved, actual construction works should commence. This will be done in stages and upon availability of funds.
FIANZ is making contacts with various organizations and donors for funds for this project.
Any assistance from any individual, organization or any other quarter will be very much appreciated. May Allaah ajja wajal give His blessings to anyone who is able to assist us.
The account number for any donations is:
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