Muslim Diversity Study (MDS)

A National Longitudinal Study of Muslim Diversity and Flourishing in Aotearoa New Zealand



Contact


+64 3 479 3044


University of Otago. The University of Auckland. University of Canterbury. Victoria University of Wellington




Muslim Diversity Study (MDS)

A National Longitudinal Study of Muslim Diversity and Flourishing in Aotearoa New Zealand



+64 3 479 3044


University of Otago. The University of Auckland. University of Canterbury. Victoria University of Wellington



Talks


Upcoming

Dunedin
Title: Mental Health and Marginalisation - Young Muslims’ Sociopolitical Realities
In Partnership with MUSA
🗓️ Week of 21 Jul 2025
⏰ TBA
📍Otago University Campus, Dunedin

Christchurch
Title: TBA
MDS Talks Series - Talk 4
🗓️ TBA
⏰ TBA
📍TBA, Christchurch

Palmerston North 
MDS Talks Series - Talk 5
🗓️ TBA
⏰ TBA
📍TBA, Palmerston North

Hamilton
Title: TBA
MDS Talks Series - Talk 6
🗓️ TBA
⏰ TBA
📍TBA, Hamilton

Past

Anchored: How Muslim Faith Buffers Discrimination in Aotearoa
MDS Talks Series - Talk 3
🗓️ 29th June 2025
⏰ 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
📍The University of Auckland, Auckland
👥
100+ attendees

Speakers:
  • Mufti Shakir (Imam of Avondale mosque). How religiosity helps with resilience.
  • Dr Usman Afzali (MDS Principal Investigator). Muslim Diversity Study Wave 1 findings.
  • Mr Ikhlaq Kashkari (Community Leader and Ex-President of NZMA). The importance of MDS and how MDS and similar data could be used for advocacy.
  • Miss Sara Youssef (NIYA Co-Chairperson). The lack of such MDS and similar data in the past for advocating purposes, and the importance of availability of such data now.
  • Mr Yahia Ayoub's (NSIA Representative). Brotherhood and spirituality.
  • Ms Shahela Qureshi (Uni of Auckland Muslim Chaplain). The importance of spirituality and connection with MDS.
  • Asem Arif (MC).
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First Muslims in Asia Pacific (MAP1) Conference
🗓️ Saturday 3 May 2025
⏰ 9:30am-4:00pm
📍Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington
🔗 Book of Abstracts url
👥 150+ attendees
👥 30 presenters

MDS Contribution:
  • Dr Usman Afzali (MDS Principal Investigator). Co-organiser.
  • Dr Farah Shawkat (MDS Collaborator and Research Assistant). Presentation: Understanding Data Collection Dynamics: A Qualitative Exploration of Research Assistants' Experiences in the Muslim Diversity Study in Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • Miss Jamila Badis (MDS Research Assistant). Presentation: Demographic and Personality Factors Associated with Islamophobia in New Zealand.
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Findings from the Muslim Diversity Study: Impact of religion on social attitudes, resilience, wellbeing, and discrimination - Community relevance and future directions
MDS Talks Series - Talk 2
🗓️ Friday 2 May 2025
⏰ 5:30-8:00pm
📍Kilbirnie Mosque, Wellington
👥 57 attendees

Speakers:
  • Sheikh Mohamed Zewada (Imam of Kilbirnie mosque). The importance of scientific research for the Muslim community.
  • Dr Usman Afzali (MDS Principal Investigator). Muslim Diversity Study Wave 1 findings.
  • Mr Ayman Zewada (VicMuslims Representative & Event MC). Why I chose to study psychology?
  • Ms Fozia Ahsan Rao. Gratitude of behalf of the community.
  • Ms Falak Naz. Closing remarks.
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Muslim Diversity Study: Insights into Building a National Study with New Zealand’s Muslim Communities

🗓️ Friday 2 May 2025
⏰ 11:10am-12:00pm
📍Centre for Applied Cross-cultural Research (CACR), Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington
🔗 Site url
👥 20+ attendees

Speakers:
  • Prof Joseph Bulbulia (CACR Director). Opening.
  • Dr Usman Afzali (MDS Principal Investigator). Main Presentation.
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Voices of Our Community – Insights from the Muslim Diversity Study: Impact of religion on social attitudes, resilience, wellbeing, and discrimination
MDS Talks Series - Talk 1
🗓️ Mon 14 April 2025
⏰ 5:30-8:00pm
📍University of Otago, Dunedin
🔗 Site url
👥 40+ attendees

Speakers:
  • Prof Will Sweetman (HoP, Religion Programme). Opening.
  • Dr Najib Lafraie (Academic). Welcoming Address.
  • Dr Usman Afzali (MDS Principal Investigator). Muslim Diversity Study Wave 1 findings.
  • Ruwayda Warsame (MUSA Secretary). Importance of MDS for youth.
  • Dr Mohammed Rizwan (OMA President). Reflections on MDS from the Muslim community perspective.
  • Dr Mai Tamimi (Community Representative). Thanks on behalf of the community.
  • Dr Muhammad Hassan (MC)
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Navigating Data Collection Challenges in Muslim Community Research
School of Social Science Research Seminar
🗓️ Thu 03 Apr 2025
⏰ 12:00-1:30pm
📍Richardson Building, University of Otago, Dunedin

Five Years after March 15

🗓️ Monday 26 Feb 2024
⏰ 5:00pm-6:00pm
📍Pipitea Campus, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington
🔗 Site url
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