In a well-researched and evidence-based submission, the Federation of Islamic Association of NZ which is the umbrella
national Muslim organisation, has set the timeframe and work scope parameters for the implementation of the Royal
Commission recommendations. “We thought that we have to add value and at the same time ensure objective metrics to
monitor the progress of the recommendations of the Royal Commission”, said Ibrar Sheikh, President of FIANZ. The
Submission was well received by the Minister in a formal meeting with FIANZ. Also present were senior officials from all
the relevant Government Ministries.
“The good intentions that the Minister (Hon Andrew Little) had initiated with the hui all over the country, now needs to
be followed up with good management by the various Ministries coordinated by the DPMC”, said Abdur Razzaq, Chairperson,
FIANZ Royal Commission Submission and Follow-Up. The hui, which were the start of the conversation with the wider ethnic
and religious communities, had both the Ministers (Hon Andrew Little and Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan) address large and
small gatherings in all the major cities and many regional towns. “From all reports we have had, they were successful in
making people aware that the Government was committed to the promises made by the Prime Minister to implement the 44
recommendations,” Abdur Razzaq said. “What was particularly appreciated was that the Minister went to regional centres
like Nelson, Ashburton, Napier and Invercargill and the small Muslim communities were eager to share their views with
the Lead Minister. This type of hui sets a positive tone, but the downside is that that the community has a heightened
sense of awareness, and any delay and non-consultative decision can easily deflate expectations This was one
consideration as to why we have made a technical submission. The Minister and the coordination team at DPMC now have
specifics to focus on”, (referring to the submission).
“We have taken the 800 pages of the Royal Commission report and summarised this into less than 40 pages, where we have
identified not just the expected timeframe of the 44 recommendations, but also some of the priority areas with specific
actions which we are expecting,” Abdur Razzaq said. “Generic terms like ‘whole of government’, ‘public-faced policy’,
‘wrap-around services’ and similar, have now been given specificity and details. We don’t want that in six months’ time,
there have been delays due to lack of clarity and consultation.”
“FIANZ is being proactive and have taken a best-practice approach to the implementation of the Royal Commission
recommendations. We trust that the partnership which the Minister has talked about will lead to pragmatic policies and
programmes to make the 44 Recommendations a reality”, said Ibrar Sheikh, President of FIANZ.