IINA - 07

New Zealand: New mosque inaugurated

Auckland, Dhul Hijja 24/Mar 19 (IINA) - There are a number of mosques in New Zealand, and there are scattered in a number of cities where are there concentrations of Muslims. The 40,000 Muslims of New Zealand are comprised of three ethnic groups: the early immigrants who have become naturalized New Zealanders, the ethnic Europeans, and the later immigrants.

Among the most important mosques is that of the capital, Wellington, and the second one in the city of Christchurch, with the third one in Dunedin. But recently another mosque was inaugurated in Lekhars Bay. This mosque also has an area for female worshippers.

There are four Islamic centers that are quite active in New Zealand, and the five Islamic schools teach Arabic in addition to Islamic Studies. There are several other organizations working in helping Muslims and Islam in one way or the other.

Most of the Islamic organizations come under the umbrella of the Federation of Islamic Organizations of New Zealand.