Source: The Public Record
http://www.pubrecord.org/component/content/249.html?task=view
In an increasingly multi-cultural and diverse ethnic landscape of Aotearoa Gov-Gen Anand Satyanand underscored the need to channel efforts in realizing religious understanding while launching the 5th annual Islam Awareness Week organized by Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) here at the Wellington Islamic Centre.
Governor General said that being a New Zealander of Fiji-Indian descent he believes ‘this diversity has the ability to enrich our society, culture and economy.’ He lauded the efforts of FIANZ in increasing the awareness of Islam and showcasing its values and tenets to the wider NZ society. The Gov-Gen was accompanied by Susan Satyanand wearing hijab.
Coming close on the heels of the First Muslim Stakeholders Meet held in Parliament launched by Prime Minister Helen Clark, this year's Islamic Awareness Week theme is "Strong Families, Better Society". The event runs till Sunday. It aims to build awareness of Muslim beliefs, values, practices and explains the intricacies of Islam.
FIANZ president Javed Khan recalled the contribution of the Muslim community in enhancing and safe guarding the interests of the country. He noted that Muslims in New Zealand have done well to assimilate in being a part of the mainstream and living in harmony with diversity professing religious tolerance.