Police contribution to Muslim community relations recognised

Police's Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services (MPES) group was honoured to receive a Harmony Award from the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) this week.

Pictured from left at the award presentation are MPES General Manager Superintendent Wally Haumaha, Dr Anwar Ghani, Dr Mustafa Farouk and Sultan Eusoff - respectively the FIANZ president, chairperson and CEO - and MPES Strategic Ethnic Advisor Inspector Rakesh Naidoo.

The Harmony Awards recognise the contributions of New Zealanders to improving understanding and relationships between Muslims and the wider community.

In presenting the award, Dr Ghani said MPES has worked closely with community leaders across the country to ensure that in times of great need, issues are handled with religious and cultural sensitivity. He said the team's work during the Christchurch earthquake was a case in point.

"We have appreciated the manner in which MPES team members from around New Zealand have provided support and reassurance to the community," he said.

Dr Ghani presented MPES with a copy of the Qur'an, representing a source of great wisdom, a coffee pot from Saudi Arabia and a container for perfumed water symbolising friendship, partnership and closeness.

The Harmony Awards and Islam Awareness Week are celebrated in conjunction with the Office of Ethnic Affairs. The Minister, Hon Judith Collins, was unable to attend the presentation however she has previously noted Police's significant contribution to diversity.