Two New Zealanders rank among Islam's top 500

Two New Zealand Muslim leaders have been ranked among the 500 most influential Muslims in the world.
Anwar Ghani, president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), and Kireka Whaanga, leader of the Aotearoa Maori Muslim Association, appear alongside kings, sheikhs and preachers in the list published by the Royal Islamic Strategic Centre in Jordan.
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia heads the list as the world's most influential Muslim.

New Zealand writer translated into Indonesian language – a first

New Zealand expresses its condolences at loss of Indonesian cultural icon

One of Indonesia’s leading batik designers, Iwan Tirta, who died recently, helped to put batik on the world stage as an Indonesian cultural icon, says New Zealand Ambassador David Taylor.

Before he died Mr Tirta had recently agreed to work with the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta, on a special batik project, saysTaylor.
“His death is a huge loss for fans of his works. New Zealand expresses its condolences to the people of Indonesia for the loss of such a taonga (sacred treasure).”