The Islamic Council of New Zealand (ICONZ) is issuing this statement in response to recent media reports regarding the arrest of an individual in connection with the arson attack on the Imam Reza Mosque in New Lynn in 2024.

Since the incident, ICONZ has been actively engaging with New Zealand Police to seek clarity on the motivation and intent behind this act. However, Police have consistently advised that such information cannot be disclosed due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. While ICONZ acknowledges the importance of due process, the continued lack of transparency has raised significant concern within the Muslim community.

New Zealand Police have repeatedly characterized the attack as an “isolated incident” limited to the affected mosque. ICONZ, along with the wider Muslim community, does not share this assessment. The organisation maintains that the incident reflects a broader potential risk and that the current framing does not adequately address community concerns about safety and security.

ICONZ has formally raised these concerns with the Commissioner of Police and the Minister of Police, Hon. Mark Mitchell, urging both offices to treat this matter with the seriousness it warrants. ICONZ has specifically requested clarity on the concrete and measurable steps being taken to mitigate any ongoing or future risks to Muslim communities across New Zealand.

In addition, these concerns have been communicated to the Race Relations Commissioner. To date, ICONZ notes that there have been limited visible or practical measures implemented to directly address the concerns raised by Muslim communities.

During engagements with the New Zealand Police Ethnic Services team, assurances were if this was an isolated incident. However, recent developments reported in the media suggest that the potential risks may be greater than previously indicated, further contributing to community unease.

ICONZ also highlights concerns regarding the framing of such incidents, particularly where mental health factors are emphasised without equal consideration of possible ideological motivations, including those linked to anti-Muslim or white supremacist views. This perceived inconsistency continues to impact confidence in the objectivity and fairness of responses to incidents affecting Muslim communities.

ICONZ calls on the Government, the Minister of Police, and relevant authorities to take clear, transparent, and measurable actions to address these concerns and ensure the safety, confidence, and well-being of Muslim communities nationwide.

The organisation remains committed to constructive engagement with authorities and will continue to advocate for the protection, safety, and dignity of all Muslims in New Zealand.

ICONZ encourages community members to remain vigilant, stay connected, and report any concerns to appropriate authorities.

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