An estimated over 50,000 Muslims live in New Zealand, with over 60% holding New Zealand citizenship. The Muslim population consists of people from over 40 different ethnic backgrounds.

Statistical data indicate that almost more than one-third of the Muslims in New Zealand are under 15. The country is increasingly multicultural, with secular and religious pluralism. This diversity presents challenges, especially regarding family law. Child custody and guardianship are essential for Muslim families in New Zealand, particularly in cases of child placement or removal. The WTG Child Placement project document was built on actual community needs and a dedicated team is developing a comprehensive model based on the specific area of family law and the role of culture in a multicultural society.

We have two dedicated and equipped janaza hearses to service the burial needs of Muslims in Auckland. MFS provides a free janaza service of transportation, ritual body wash (ghusl), shrouding (kafan) and the grave plaque. The bereaved family is only required to pay all the cemetery charges for the grave plot, the digging charges, and the monument fees, which will be the current cost price from the Auckland City Council.

Washing and shrouding after death is an OBLIGATORY DUTY (Fardh Kifayah). It is the obligation of the family to fulfil all the requirements like Ghusl (body wash), Kafan (shroud) and burial of any member of their family. In the event of no family or if the family is not in the means to fulfil this obligation, it then becomes the responsibility of the community to see to all these requirements.

What Does the MFS Include:

• WTG MFS will pick up the deceased (mayt) from the place of death and transport it to the place of ghusl and kafan. We encourage the next of kin to get fully involved with the ghusl and kafan of their departed loved one.
• MFS will also transport the mayt to the Cemetery and bury them in the dedicated Muslim grave section.
• At the cemetery, the next of kin will once again be required to enter the grave and position their loved one in their final resting place.
• The MFS team will be present to supervise and guide the family in fulfilling all the Islamic requirements of the entire burial procedure.

WTG has replicated its MFS model in a number of NZ towns offering them training and providing them with supplies.You can learn more about the performance and achievements of the MFS by accessing the 2022/2023 WTG MFS report

To contact the WTG MFS, please email us on infoATwtg.org.nz