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Islam Awareness Week 2013

Our New Zealand Muslim communities are made up of peoples largely from Southern Asia but also the Middle East, reflected in well over 36,000 people affiliating with the Islamic faith that are living here now. Most are based in Auckland, of Fijian-Indian ethnicity and many belong to the Sunni sect. These days identity and belonging seem to be the big focus for Muslim youth, keen to link with the public to break down negative stereotypes about their way of life and faith. Lynda Chanwai-Earle is in Wellington for the launch of Islam Awareness Week to find out more.

A diverse multi-faith audience listen on

Mrs Jean Khan with her book 'My Voyage Into Islam'

The Imam gives a reading from the Qur'an

Anjum Rahman with spokespeople for the NZ police and the Jewish community

Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner

Huda Julie Webb-Pullman and Mohammed Hassan - Islamic Youth NZ

Leila Huda Adam and her mother, Mrs Jean Khan

Mayor of Wellington Celia Wade-Brown wears hijab for the occasion

Mohammed Hassan - Islamic Youth Committee

Mr Rohan Jaduram, Human Rights Commission

MP Melissa Lee speaks at Islamic Awareness Week launch

Melissa Lee speaks at the launch of Islam Awareness Week 2013

Mr Javed Khan (FIANZ) presents an award to Keith Locke, former Green Party MP (left)

Lynda at Islam Awareness Week launch with Joan Buchanan and Anjum Rahman (back row centre)

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.