Muslims in New Zealand

Published 2009. Contact: Colleen Ward

Overview

Muslims are the most rapidly growing religious group in New Zealand with the population increasing six-fold between 1991 and 2006. Muslims now constitute about 1% of the population. The majority (77%) of New Zealand Muslims are overseas-born with the largest proportions identifying as Indian (29%) and as members of Middle Eastern groups (21%) such as Arab, Iranian and Iraqi.

Although Muslims are a small but rapidly increasing group, there is relatively little empirical research about their experiences in New Zealand. There were however, media discourses which suggest New Zealanders may be uncertain about, if not unreceptive to, Muslim immigrants.

With this background, CACR initiated a programme of research to examine:

  • Attitudes toward Muslim immigrants
  • Muslim experiences in New Zealand.

Here is a list of the projects.