Taupo Muslim Project

Asalaamualaikum WRWB.

We begin in the name of Allah SWT, most gracious most merciful.

Taupo is a town located at the outlet of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in central North Island and situated along the main highway from Auckland to Wellington (SH1). With an estimated population of 33 000, Taupo is a popular tourist destination for locals and visitors from abroad.

Prior to July 2015, there were 6 Muslim families living in Taupo. Unlike towns in New Zealand like Auckland, Hamilton and Palmerston North, there was no Masjid in Taupo and local Muslims and visitors often had difficulties finding places to perform their Solat. In the warmer months, it was not uncommon to see some Muslims in Taupo taking their wudu at the lake and performing Solat on its shores!

Recognising this urgent need for a masjid in Taupo, the Taupo Islamic Educational and Welfare Trust was established in November 2014. The main objectives of the Trust are to cater to the needs of the local Muslim population in Taupo and visitors from all over the world, as well as to establish a masjid in the town, among other things.

Alhamdulillah with the grace of Almighty Allah SWT and the support of New Zealand and overseas Muslims, we have been successful in establishing the house of Allah in July 2015 at 57 Kaimanawa Street, Taupo –the Taupo Islamic Educational and Welfare Centre.

The property at 57 Kaimanawa Street was purchased for a total cost of NZD$570,000 and funded by soft loans from individuals and donations obtained locally and overseas.

The current position of our trust is as follows:

Total cost to purchase: NZD$570,000

Donations received (local and overseas): NZD$330,000

Soft loans (owing to individuals): NZD$240,000

The property is situated on 1017 square metres of land and has undergone refurbishment. It has a full prayer hall which can accommodate 70 male and 25 female jamaat, a bathroom with shower facilities, pantry, an Imam’s office and two rooms which are intended to house Islamic classes. Wudu facilities have recently been constructed outside the property as well.

A lot of hard effort has been made especially by the Trustees and with the support of friends and families and other Muslim organisations of New Zealand and overseas. The future of Islam in the center of the North Island of New Zealand has a very prosperous image.

We put in a vast number of man hours to make this vision happen for the Muslims of New Zealand and overseas who come to Lake Taupo to visit or are just passing through to the other parts of NZ. As a result of the establishment of the Islamic centre, the number of Muslims residing in Taupo since 2014 has grown and is projected to grow even further in the years to come.

New Zealand has also played a major role in the resettlement of the Syrian refugees, having taken in 750 refugees in 2015, increased its quota to 1000 in 2016 and to 1200 over the next two years. These refugees are initially settled in Auckland and then relocated to other parts of the country. With the establishment of the Islamic Centre, the continual growth and strengthening of the local Muslim community, the assistance and support from the local Council and the Government, we will be better able to support the resettlement needs of the Syrian Muslim refugees in Taupo.

The soft loans owing to individuals were to be paid back within a 3-4 month period with the final settlement due by 31 December 2015. Unfortunately, we have not been able to raise sufficient funds to repay the full loan amount by the due date. As of today, the outstanding amount owed to individuals approximately NZD$240,000.

We are seeking your assistance to repay these loans for the sake of establishing a House of Allah here in New Zealand.

It is narrated on the authority of Umar bin Khattab RA that "I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say: ‘Whoever builds a masjid (mosque) in which the Name of Allah is mentioned, Allah will build a house for him in Paradise." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

May Allah bless and reward your contributions.