Muslim candidates make history in New Zealand elections 2025
This year’s New Zealand local elections have seen record numbers of people contesting council and board seats nationwide, with over 3,400 overall nominations for 1,465 council roles, including mayoral, ward, regional council, and community board positions. The surge reflects greater public engagement, as more citizens seek to represent their communities and influence local decision-making. Every region and almost every district is participating, with large numbers of candidates stepping forward in major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin. Increased candidate numbers are seen as a positive sign for local democracy, with voting set to run from September to October 2025.
As New Zealand approaches the 2025 local government elections, a quiet but powerful revolution is taking shape, marked by a historic milestone: for the first time ever, a record number of Muslim candidates are standing for councils, wards, and local boards across the country. This surge reflects a vibrant desire within the Muslim community for greater representation, inclusion, and a genuine sense of belonging in Aotearoa’s civic life.
Muslims, who constitute just 1.3% of New Zealand’s population—about 65,000 people—have traditionally been underrepresented in local politics. However, this year, that is changing, driven by a collective aspiration to be an integral part of their communities rather than standing apart.
One remarkable figure embodying this change is Imam Gamal Fouda, who is contesting a seat on the Riccarton Community Board in Christchurch. Imam Fouda, who became an emblem of resilience after leading prayers at the Al Noor Mosque in the wake of the 2019 Christchurch terror attacks, is now turning his advocacy into political action. His candidacy is about fostering harmony, unity, and rebuilding trust within the community. He and Zahra Hussaini, another Muslim candidate in Christchurch and a human rights champion, represent a new wave of leaders determined to break barriers and make sure young Muslim women and others are both seen and heard.
In Porirua, 21-year-old Rabeea Inayatullah stands as one of the youngest Muslim candidates nationwide. Despite facing challenges including Islamophobic vandalism, Rabeea’s determination shines through with her focus on youth engagement, climate action, and equity—issues deeply important to her generation. Her candidacy is a clear statement: Muslim New Zealanders are part of this country and deserve a voice.
Auckland, the largest city, has emerged as a hub of Muslim political participation with at least six candidates running for local seats. These candidates bring diverse perspectives, professional experience, and a shared commitment to community service and advocacy. This grassroots civic engagement is creating a more inclusive democratic process.
Her campaign centers on practical issues such as housing affordability, public transport, and social inclusion, reflecting the priorities of Wellington’s diverse communities and highlighting the increasing political participation of migrants and refugees.
The growth in Muslim candidates—from fewer than six in 2019 to more than 12 in 2025—marks a significant shift. The tragic events of 2019 were a turning point, galvanizing the Muslim community toward political activism and public engagement. This is not simply about winning seats; it’s about building trust, amplifying diverse voices, and strengthening the fabric of New Zealand’s democracy.
As these candidates stand across major centres like Auckland, Christchurch, Porirua, and Wellington, the 2025 local elections hold the potential to be a historic moment for Muslim representation in New Zealand politics—signaling a future where every New Zealander, regardless of background, can see themselves reflected in the decisions shaping their communities.