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New Zealand Muslim Convention - 24-25 October 2009
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21 October 2009
Dr Anwar-ul Ghani, President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Inc. (FIANZ), the national Muslim organisation, announced today that for the first time in the history of FIANZ, a national New Zealand Muslim Convention will be held during the labour weekend holidays (24-25 October 2009).
This inaugural event will be held in Auckland where the majority of the Muslim population lives. It will be held at Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Road, Mt Roskill. Government officials, Non-Government Organisations and members of the diplomatic community have been invited to attend the Opening Ceremony scheduled for 9.30 am on Saturday, 24 October 2009.
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FIANZ President Dr Anwar-ul Ghani
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The idea of organising such an event was to bring together the Muslim community of New Zealand to discuss and strategise issues that are of concern to the Muslims of New Zealand. "We need to strengthen our Islamic belief and way of life and yet identify ourselves as Kiwi Muslims", said Dr Ghani. It is envisaged that the Convention would evoke the community-spiritedness and pass the messages of acceptance, tolerance, unity, understanding and cohesiveness in living together as a community and with the wider community of New Zealand.
The theme for this event is "To Build Strong Muslim Families And Community". Dr Ghani said that "the leadership of FIANZ realises that to develop a strong community, it is vital that family bonds and values are strengthened. Collectively, the community will also have the opportunity to explore ways to engage our youth with a view to nurturing them into visionary leaders of the future.
During the two-day event, programmes have been organised for children, youth, men and women. There will be stalls selling Islamic artefacts and clothing. There will also be food stalls selling Halal food items from different ethnic groups.
Dr Ghani warmly invites all Muslims living in New Zealand to participate at the two-day event and actively engage with the FIANZ leadership and their fellow community members in deliberations upon issues that concern the community.
Dr Anwar-ul Ghani MNZM JP
President |
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