Finding Community: Mosques, Centres & Groups

## Finding Your Community in New Zealand ### Islamic Centres & Mosques **Auckland:** - Al-Masjid Al-Jamie (Ponsonby) - Largest mosque - Avondale Islamic Centre - South Auckland Muslim Association - Masjid Al-Hidaya (Mt Roskill) **Wellington:** - Wellington Islamic Centre (Kilbirnie) - Lower Hutt Islamic Centre **Christchurch:** - Al Noor Mosque - Linwood Islamic Centre **Other Cities:** - Hamilton Mosque - Palmerston North Islamic Centre - Dunedin Islamic Centre **Find More:** FIANZ.com (Federation of Islamic Associations of NZ) ### Arab Community Groups - Arab Association NZ (Auckland) - Arab Association Wellington - Various Facebook groups for Arab communities - University Arab student associations ### Settlement Support Services **Free help for newcomers:** - English language classes - CV and job help - Understanding NZ systems - Social connections **Services by Region:** - Auckland: Auckland Regional Migrant Services - Wellington: Wellington Newcomers Network - Christchurch: Christchurch Migrant Centre - National: settlement.org.nz ### Connecting Tips **Online:** - Facebook groups (search "Arab in Auckland" etc.) - WhatsApp community groups - Meetup.com - local interest groups - LinkedIn for professional networking **In Person:** - Attend Friday prayers at local mosque - Visit community centres - Join cultural events - Volunteer at community organisations - Attend Eid celebrations ### Language Support **Learning English:** - Community classes (often free) - English Language Partners - Library programmes - Settlement English classes **Keeping Arabic:** - Arabic schools on weekends - Community language classes for children - Arabic books at some libraries ### Halal Food **Supermarkets:** - Countdown and Pak'nSave have halal sections - Look for halal certification labels **Specialist Stores:** - Arab grocery stores in major cities - Middle Eastern stores - Halal butchers **Restaurants:** - Search "halal" on Zomato or Google Maps - Many kebab shops and Middle Eastern restaurants ### Community Events - Eid celebrations (check local mosque) - Cultural festivals - Community BBQs and gatherings - Ramadan iftars - Arabic language events ### Building Connections **Tips for newcomers:** 1. Attend a mosque or community centre first 2. Don't be shy - Kiwis are friendly 3. Join groups that match your interests 4. Volunteer - great way to meet people 5. Keep in touch with people you meet 6. Share your culture - people are interested! ### Useful Contacts - Federation of Islamic Associations (FIANZ): fianz.com - Office of Ethnic Communities: ethniccommunities.govt.nz - Your local Citizens Advice Bureau