source: thepress.co.nz

In a groundbreaking move for New Zealand’s Muslim community, the Kiwi Muslim Directory has unveiled its first-ever mobile application, ushering in a new digital era. Established in 2007 by Naveed Ahmed, who emigrated from India in 1998, the directory was created out of his personal challenges in locating halal service providers in a foreign land. Now, with the invaluable support of his son, Nawaz Ahmed, who has been instrumental in the app’s development, this initiative represents years of hard work and dedication.

The Kiwi Muslim Directory has long been a vital resource for halal restaurants, butchers, Islamic centers, and community events throughout New Zealand. Naveed Ahmed recalls the difficulties faced by the early Muslim community, stating, “When my parents arrived, the local Muslim community was still in its infancy, and finding halal food or prayer spaces was a manual and challenging task.” The launch of the new app, aptly named “Locate,” aims to simplify this process for both local Muslims and international visitors alike.

Over the past 16 years, the directory has seen remarkable growth, expanding from a modest 120 halal food listings to an impressive collection of over 750 Muslim-owned businesses across 27 diverse categories. “Our local Muslim communities are thriving,” Nawaz Ahmed remarked, emphasizing the increasing demand for accessible halal options.

What sets the Kiwi Muslim Directory apart is its status as the only comprehensive Muslim information directory in New Zealand. The first edition was published in 2009, with 7,500 physical copies distributed annually at mosques and community centers. The directory has garnered recognition from esteemed organizations such as the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and has collaborated with Tourism New Zealand to produce the Halal Guide for the country.

The new app, Locate, officially launched on Monday after 18 months of meticulous development and community engagement. “Transforming a 16-year-old directory into a digital format has been a labor of love,” Nawaz Ahmed shared. “While the printed directory served its purpose, the app allows us to reach a broader audience instantly and more conveniently.”

Looking ahead, future updates for the app may include features highlighting Muslim-friendly tourist attractions tailored specifically for families and travelers, further enriching the user experience. “This is just the beginning,” Nawaz Ahmed emphasized, indicating that the app will continue to evolve and expand its offerings.

According to the 2023 Census, there are now at least 75,138 Muslims in New Zealand, representing approximately 1.5% of the total population, an increase from 1.3% in 2018. Many of the early Muslim migrants settled in major urban centers like Auckland and Christchurch, the latter of which now boasts over 18 halal food establishments.

With the launch of the Locate app, the Kiwi Muslim Directory is not only modernizing its approach but also fostering a sense of community and connection among Muslims in New Zealand. This innovative tool promises to make life easier for users, bridging the gap between tradition and technology in a rapidly evolving world. As the app gains traction, it stands to become an indispensable resource for both locals and visitors seeking halal-friendly options, ultimately enhancing the cultural landscape of New Zealand.

Original Article:

The Press. (2025). New app helps Kiwis find Muslim-owned, halal-friendly businesses. Retrieved from https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360528485/new-app-helps-kiwis-find-muslim-owned-halal-friendly-businesses