Increasing Hate Crimes in New Zealand
Protecting NZ Muslim Communities & All Vulnerable Groups.
From January 2020 to June 2024, New Zealand Police recorded 19,589 hate-motivated incidents, with approximately 73% of these targeting race or ethnicity, 8% targeting religion, and 8% directed at sexual orientation. These figures, as reported in a 2024 Newsroom investigation, also revealed that 1,413 incidents during a ten-month period had been incorrectly classified due to police oversight. This points to an underreporting and misclassification issue that affects the accuracy and seriousness with which hate crimes are addressed in New Zealand.
The Real Shock:
Muslim communities remain especially vulnerable. After the March 15, 2019 Christchurch attacks, Islamophobic incidents surged—from just 3 reported cases to 42 the following year—a staggering 1,300% increase. Yet the true scale is likely much higher, with underreporting driven by fear, mistrust, and a lack of culturally responsive support.
Data from the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand highlights that Muslim women—particularly those wearing hijab—face the most visible and targeted abuse. Despite significant government investment, institutional initiatives, and the rise of new anti-racism organisations, hate crimes have only worsened. This disturbing trend contradicts the wave of national sympathy after the attacks. So, where is the disconnect? Why have results failed to reflect the effort?
Is there something happening within the New Zealand community—hidden, subtle, or systemic—that continues to fuel this hate?
Fuel on the Fire:
Recent developments have only added to this growing sense of alarm. The Wellington event on June 21, 2025, hosted by Brian Tamaki and the Destiny Church under the banner “Faith, Flag and Family,” included hateful rhetoric and symbolic acts such as flag burnings that were widely interpreted as incitements against Muslim communities.
These public demonstrations of hate are not isolated events but part of a pattern of increasing verbal, online, and psychological harassment targeting New Zealand Muslims and other minority groups.
While the government has acknowledged these concerns and made some progress, the current legal framework remains inadequate. Hate speech is not yet classified as a standalone offence; instead, it serves as an aggravating factor under general criminal law. This limits both preventative and punitive legal measures. Frontline police officers, despite efforts such as the “Te Raranga” strategy, continue to misclassify nearly one-third of hate incidents, according to internal police reviews and external audits. Victims often feel unsafe or discouraged from reporting due to inconsistent police responses, lack of follow-up, or fear of public exposure.
The Ongoing Mental Health & Wellbeing Trauma:
The mosque attack’s physical, psychological, and mental injuries are still fresh, especially when such episodes of hate-spreading activities are widely celebrated in the middle of the town.
The mental health implications are equally dire. Repeated exposure to hate crimes—whether direct or indirect—has been linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal among Muslim youth, immigrants, and visibly religious individuals. The stress of navigating public life while being consistently othered takes a toll that is not adequately addressed by existing health services. Our institutions—schools, workplaces, and community centres—are largely ill-equipped to respond proactively.
New Zealand’s government spends approximately $2 billion every year on mental health and addictions, which is an extensive budget. However, the root causes are not being addressed in the right manner and style.
Pathway to Solution:
AL-RA’OON®, along with the cooperation of Muslim associations and organizations, being a responsible and vigilant entity in New Zealand—and an ambassador of peace, love, and harmony—suggests the following solutions, along with its services and collaboration with Ministries such as HRC, MEC, Police, DPMC, DIA, and MSD.
- An immediate and bold action is needed to close the glaring gap between lived realities and systemic responses. Aotearoa cannot afford to wait. The government must lead by enacting a specific hate crime statute—one that clearly defines, recognizes, and consistently penalizes acts of hate across the board. Such legislation would not only offer justice to victims but also send a powerful message that New Zealand stands firm against racism, religious intolerance, and targeted abuse. This is not just about laws—it’s about healing a wounded trust. It’s about restoring dignity to those whose pain has gone unacknowledged. And above all, it’s about reaffirming the values that truly make this nation beautiful: respect, mana, and unity.
- Secondly, we must uplift the frontline—our police officers and public service workers—through mandatory training and capacity building rooted in tikanga, cultural intelligence, and empathy. True kotahitanga(unity) begins with understanding. When those who serve the people carry the knowledge of manaakitanga (respect and care), their responses become not only effective but healing. Culturally competent service isn’t a favour—it’s a right. Every whānau, regardless of background, deserves to feel safe, seen, and heard. These trainings should be immersive, ongoing, and co-developed with communities who know the pain of being misunderstood. Only then can Aotearoa rise as a true model of inclusion and aroha (compassion).
- Thirdly, we must create pūtahi haumaru—safe, community-trusted pathways for reporting hate incidents, especially for our most vulnerable whānau. Many remain silent, not out of strength, but fear and mistrust. It’s time to flip the script. Ethnic liaison officers must be visible, empowered, and equipped with real mana(authority) to respond swiftly and meaningfully. Their presence should reflect whakawhanaungatanga—genuine relationship-building with diverse communities. Reporting must feel like reaching out to a trusted ally, not entering a system stacked against you. When people feel safe to speak, healing begins. This is how we restore pono (trust) in the heart of Aotearoa.
- Seminars, workshops, and learning sessions led by AL-RA’OON® are not just gatherings—they are wānangaof transformation. Rooted in aroha, tika (truth), and manaakitanga, these forums focus on interfaith awareness, public dialogue, and the art of peaceful coexistence. They create safe, open spaces where whakawhanaungatanga (relationship-building) replaces suspicion, and mārama (understanding) replaces fear. Through these sessions, we cultivate mutual respect and acknowledgment of all communities, faiths, and worldviews. The kaupapa of AL-RA’OON® uplifts the dignity of every voice. These aren’t just programs—they are bridges of unity across Aotearoa. Together, we build a nation where every person feels seen, heard, and valued.
Empowering Minds—Healing Communities
To truly confront hate and build lasting resilience, it is time for schools, universities, public institutions, and major organizations across Aotearoa to embed hate-awareness modules and resilience training into their core wellbeing strategies. These essential programs can be designed and delivered by AL-RA’OON®, in collaboration with key Ministries and trusted partners, through immersive workshops and transformative national seminars. These are not just educational sessions—they are catalysts for healing.
When co-hosted with expert organisations like AL-RA’OON®, such gatherings become powerful wānanga for restoring interfaith harmony, fostering peaceful coexistence, nurturing mutual respect, and protecting the right to hold diverse beliefs. Without this collective social awareness and education across our communities, we cannot meaningfully dismantle hate, discrimination, racism, or the violence they produce. At the same time, public events and rallies that show signs of whakakāhore (incitement) must be responsibly regulated—kōrero rangatira (free speech) must not be weaponized to instill fear, deepen division, or strip others of dignity.
The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. Today’s silence becomes tomorrow’s sorrow. If we fail to act now—if we ignore the growing threats facing our Muslim whānau and others, from street-level intimidation to orchestrated fear campaigns—we risk cultivating a fractured, fearful Aotearoa. The time has come for bold legislative reform, ethical leadership, and united institutional action.
The Concern:
The world knows New Zealand for its raw beauty, loving hearts, and welcoming souls—not for hatred, rage, discrimination, racism, or mass murder. Let’s protect the true face of our country and nation, together.
AL-RA’OON® Trust NZ
info@alraoon.com | 021 0855 0422
www.alraoon.com