CMCT

CMCT We are the Canterbury Muslim Community Trust (known as CMCT) based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Canterbury Muslim Comunity Trust supports the local Muslim community through fact finding, community engagement and liaison with support agencies. Our efforts follow on from the work of the Building Bridges Muslim Advisory Group by continuing to undertake research into our community's need and to find ways to address issues facing individuals and the group as a whole. Each year we carry out a

wide range of activities to support the community. Some of these include:

- Cornerstone sponsor for the 2015 & 2016 Christchurch Eid festivals
- We host community Eid dinners and iftar events during Ramadan
- Facilitated qurbani distribution of meat in 2015 & provide ongoing support for the Muslim Community Foodbank each month.
- Provide support for Muslim youth soccer and basketball teams
- Provide Islamic awareness training for Ara Institute and University of Canterbury journalism students
- Hosted public lectures
- Liaised with government departments, community groups and educational providers on Muslim issues

We hold regular public meetings and social events throughout the year

Salaams everyone! We hope you are having a great start to your week. We’ve set a date for the Family Fun day that was re...
13/04/2026

Salaams everyone! We hope you are having a great start to your week. We’ve set a date for the Family Fun day that was rescheduled. This time, we will have both indoor and outdoor venues ready inshallah in case it gets wet again.
Like last time, please don’t forget to sign up so we know how much we need to bring! See everyone there inshallah!!

https://www.surveyhero.com/c/zwx7wqfu

Assalamualaykum everyone! We have made a survey for women in New Zealand who may have experienced challenges or barriers...
07/04/2026

Assalamualaykum everyone! We have made a survey for women in New Zealand who may have experienced challenges or barriers when it comes to pursuing studies. Hurry complete it for your chance to win a $50 Prezzy card, the survey closes in the second week of May! Translated to 5 different languages to help overcome the language barrier. This survey was created with support from Graduate Women Canterbury.

19/02/2026

Assalamualaikum everyone, Ramadan Mubarak 🌙
This blessed month is not only a time to fast, but a time to grow in knowledge, strengthen our iman, and connect with our community.
This year, CMCT proudly presents the Ramadan Islamic Quiz – Online ✨
A chance to learn, reflect, and have fun together for the sake of Allah.
📖 Test your knowledge
🤍 Strengthen your faith
🌙 Earn rewards beyond this dunya
Let’s participate, support one another, and make this Ramadan meaningful.
May Allah increase us in knowledge, sincerity, and barakah. Ameen. 🤲

As’salamualaikum everyone,We regret to inform you that the CMCT Family Fun Picnic on the 25th January, Sunday, has been...
19/01/2026

As’salamualaikum everyone,
We regret to inform you that the CMCT Family Fun Picnic on the 25th January, Sunday, has been cancelled due to ongoing rainy weather leading up to the day of the event. Given the conditions, we feel this is the safest and most appropriate decision for all involved.
We want to acknowledge that we are also very disappointed to have to make this decision, as this was planned to be our first community engagement event for the year. We were very much looking forward to coming together with everyone.
We will be in touch via email with details of a rescheduled event. At this stage, it is highly likely that the new date will be scheduled for after Ramadan.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Jazzakalla Khair,
CMCT

Assalamualaikum and Kia Ora everyone. Hope you enjoyed our About Us series and that you got to know us a little bit more...
16/01/2026

Assalamualaikum and Kia Ora everyone. Hope you enjoyed our About Us series and that you got to know us a little bit more. Hope to see you in the next events we have throughout the year.

Here’s our last trustee for us to introduce! Assalamualaikum!I’m Addeana. I moved to Christchurch from Singapore with my...
15/01/2026

Here’s our last trustee for us to introduce! Assalamualaikum!
I’m Addeana. I moved to Christchurch from Singapore with my family, and Christchurch has been home since 2012. For a big part of my life here, I’ve grown up watching my parents and their friends build CMCT from the ground up.
Witnessing that journey, alongside watching my younger sister grow up here, inspired a strong desire in me to give back to the Muslim community in New Zealand, particularly to support our youth. I don’t only want to help continue something they worked so hard to create, but also to give back a part of myself to the community and contribute to its growth. I hope to help foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment where our community—especially young people—can feel supported and empowered.

Would you like to meet another trustee? Here’s Fera!Assalamualaikum, I am Fera. Hailing from Singapore, Ōtautahi has bee...
14/01/2026

Would you like to meet another trustee? Here’s Fera!Assalamualaikum, I am Fera. Hailing from Singapore, Ōtautahi has been my home for the last three years.

My passion for global citizenship and equity blossomed when I began volunteering in high school, and after studying how the world works through Political Science and IR, I’ve found that the most important work happens here on the ground, face-to-face. Personally, CMCT is the first place my mind goes to when I think of the Muslim community here in Aotearoa.

I’m committed to making sure CMCT is a home for our community, and I’d like to listen, learn, and help us work towards that goal.

Continuing our Trustee spotlight, meet Ky! My name is Kynan but for short most people call me "Ky". I have always worked...
13/01/2026

Continuing our Trustee spotlight, meet Ky! My name is Kynan but for short most people call me "Ky". I have always worked with people. In the past I was an English language teacher, then a primary school teacher and at present I work with the Department of Corrections in their Community Work space. This part of my life I call the "K". My "y" is to uplift Muslim young people. I endeavor to do this by organizing football training sessions and drama performances. The football club that myself and some others have set up is called the MBFC (The Muslim Boys Football Club) and the Thearte group is called the Muslim Allstars Theater Company.

Another day, another trustee you’ve got to meet! Assalamu’alaikum, my name is Ruqayya. I’ve been part of the Canterbury ...
12/01/2026

Another day, another trustee you’ve got to meet!
Assalamu’alaikum, my name is Ruqayya. I’ve been part of the Canterbury Muslim Community Trust since it began in 2014 and over the years have served as Chair, Deputy Chair, and Treasurer.

In my day job, I’m a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Otago Christchurch. I hold a PhD in International Health and am currently leading research projects on mental health, trauma, and transcultural psychiatry. I work with teams in Aotearoa and internationally to turn research into practical solutions that improve health and wellbeing for diverse communities.

Being part of CMCT is about supporting people, encouraging education, and creating opportunities for growth. I enjoy mentoring and working with others, whether individuals, organisations, or networks, to build connections and deliver initiatives that make a positive difference.

Over the years, I’ve contributed to education and health projects, supported youth development, and helped build partnerships that benefit the wider community. I also love seeing everyone come together for Eid celebrations, Ramadan iftars, and family fun days, moments that remind us how much joy and strength there is in community.

My vision is to help CMCT continue building a strong, inclusive, and connected community where everyone feels supported and has opportunities to thrive.

Say hi to our next trustee!Assalamualaikum, my name is Fareeha (Fari). I was born and raised in Pakistan and moved to Ch...
10/01/2026

Say hi to our next trustee!
Assalamualaikum, my name is Fareeha (Fari). I was born and raised in Pakistan and moved to Christchurch in 2015. I recently joined CMCT and feel grateful to be part of this warm and inspiring community.

I’m an anthropologist, qualitative researcher, and interpreter, currently pursuing a PhD in Psychological Medicine at the University of Otago. My research explores how Muslim communities draw on faith and resilience to cope with trauma and loss, especially after the Christchurch Mosque Attacks.

As a Muslim migrant woman, I understand the importance of collective support and the unique needs of women in our community. I enjoy listening to people’s stories, engaging in face-to-face conversations, and using writing to raise awareness of social issues.

In my free time, I love painting and connecting with others. Through CMCT, I hope to contribute to a space where our diverse experiences are honoured and where we grow together with compassion and purpose.

Another day, another sweet introduction! Here’s one of our trustees! My name is Sarah. I moved with my family to Christc...
10/01/2026

Another day, another sweet introduction! Here’s one of our trustees!
My name is Sarah. I moved with my family to Christchurch in 2014 from Saudi Arabia. Alhamdulilah, I have been a part of different Muslim community groups over the years, working with children and ladies in different capacities and projects.
I believe that we can find exciting and dynamic ways towards community engagement, and CMCT gives me the perfect platform for it, Masha’allah.
One of my favorite Hadith is this: The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned: "The angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge, and the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth seek forgiveness for the scholar." (Sunan Abi Dawud)

Today we’re introducing you to Abdi, one of our trustees! I have called Christchurch home since 1994 after arriving as a...
09/01/2026

Today we’re introducing you to Abdi, one of our trustees!
I have called Christchurch home since 1994 after arriving as a former refugee from Somalia. I’ve been actively involved in community wellbeing and support since 2007. My passion lies in helping people feel included, supported, and connected.

Alongside this work, I serve as a Muslim Wellbeing Advisor at the University of Canterbury. What I appreciate most about being part of CMCT is that it allows me to embody the prophetic tradition of khidmah—serving others, contributing to civic duties, and fulfilling community obligations.

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