MAP1 – First Muslims in Asia-Pacific Conference (2025)
Theme: Experiences and Challenges of Muslims in Aotearoa New Zealand
Date & Venue: 3 May 2025, Te Papa Museum, Wellington, New Zealand.
Date & Venue: 3 May 2025, Te Papa Museum, Wellington, New Zealand.
Organisers
- Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ)
- Aotearoa New Zealand Islamic Think Tank (ANZITT)
- Massey University’s Centre for Culture-Centred Approach to Research and Evaluation (CARE)
- Muslim Diversity Study (MDS)
Organising Committee
- Dr Fatima Junaid
- Dr Usman Afzali
- Prof Mohan Dutta
- Dr Zahra Emamzadeh
- Rito Triumbarto
Participants
Over 150 attendees, including academics, postgraduate students, community leaders, and policymakers.
Presentations
More than 40 presentations across six thematic streams:
- Education: Islamic pedagogy, chaplaincy, and inclusive teaching frameworks.
- Islamophobia & Solidarity: Media bias, AI-driven analysis, Māori-Muslim solidarity, global advocacy.
- Youth: Refugee youth support, digital parenting, halal food policies in schools.
- Belongingness: Identity, integration, post-Christchurch recovery, and the protective role of religious community for psychological wellbeing.
- Health & Wellbeing: Mental health, disability support, and post-traumatic growth.
- Media, Narratives & Research: Media representation, Muslim Media Watch Aotearoa, and interdisciplinary research innovation.
Keynote Address
Dr Ruqayya Sulaiman-Hill delivered “Strengthening Communities Through Research”, emphasising trauma-informed, community-led research in the aftermath of the Christchurch attacks and the importance of bridging academic research with grassroots advocacy.
Key Outcomes
- Interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange on critical issues affecting Muslim communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific.
- Actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and community leaders.
- Establishment of a sustainable academic and advocacy network under ANZITT, the Muslim ECR Network.
- Recognition in mainstream media for research impact and community relevance.
MAP1 Book of Abstracts