Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand - 2025 National Conference

This event is hosted by the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا۟ فِى ٱلْمَجَـٰلِسِ فَٱفْسَحُوا۟ يَفْسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُوا۟ فَٱنشُزُوا۟ يَرْفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مِنكُمْ وَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ دَرَجَـٰتٍۢ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌۭ ١١

(Quran 58:11)
The highly anticipated annual Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand National Conference is set to commence in the early evening of the 25th of April and conclude midday on the 27th of April, spanning three days. The conference will commence with a more casual evening focused on promoting well-being and meaningful connections, followed by the official opening ceremony on Saturday morning. Attendees will benefit from a diverse array of uplifting and informative workshops covering various topics addressing the theme, powerful messages delivered by distinguished speakers, and a selection of engaging activities. This event is open to all Muslim women aged 12 and above. The focus for our 34th National conference is social responsibility in all forms.

Early Bird Registration Fees: (before December 31st)

$65.00 General Entry*

Regular Registration Fees: (January 1st to February 28th)

$85.00 General Entry*

Late Registration opportunity (March 1st until March 31st)

$125 General Entry*

Last day to purchase your tickets will be March 31st, 2025. Strictly no exceptions to this.

This year, the Gala Night will have a separate cost and will feature a formal evening with a three-course dinner, a distinct address from the keynote speaker, an awards ceremony, and exciting entertainment. Join us for a night of elegance and celebration, with a focus on honouring achievements and enjoying great company.

The Gala Night Registration fee is - $65.00

Please note : You are only eligible to attend the Gala night if you have purchased a ticket to the conference. Remember you must add on the Gala night ticket!

*All general registration tickets include: Admission to the conference, main meals throughout the conference and programming. Accommodation is not included as well as the activity options - if you wish to participate in the activity session on the Saturday afternoon, you MUST select an activity when registering (there are three activities without cost incurring, but they MUST be selected as spaces are limited). You are also welcome to take the afternoon to rest.

Transportation is also not included and will need to be bought separately. (There are some travel scholarships being offered, however, these must be applied for separately. Those who are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by to December 1st)

Please Note: Once booked, there will be no refunds or exchanges unless the entire event is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.The non refund policy is due to logistics and down-payment requirements of the service providers. Please note: IDs may be checked upon arrival, so please ensure compliance with the rules and confirm you are 12 years or older. If you are underage, you may be asked to leave the conference for health and safety reasons.

Accommodation Options:

Lodge/ Dorm style accommodation: Lodge accomodation is available to book for $50.00 per person. This will be shared bed spaces/ shared bathrooms. Please note there is a limited amount of beds available. You will need to bring your own linen/bedding with you. The lodge consists of dormitory-style rooms, and there are no private individual rooms. You are welcome to put in a request to be in the same cabin, whilst we will do our best to accommodate your request we can not guarantee.

Note: We only have 80 beds available at the lodge, and these will be booked and paid for at the time of registration. Space will be allocated on a “first come, first served” basis.

All guests are expected to leave their dorm rooms in a clean and tidy condition, as they found it.

Self-Book Options:

The Novotel Ellersile - IWCNZ has also partnered with the Novotel Ellerslie for a a set discount of 15% when booking with this hotel (it is near the conference venue - a 5 minute walk). However, please note the day rate changes for hotels and it is a 15% off their normal day rate. It is your responsibility to make the booking directly. Please book with discount code “IWCNZ" otherwise you may also book using the following link: https://accorevents.com/offers/iwcnz

Accommodation of your choice - There are a range of other motel and hotel accommodation available, within driving distance of the Ellerslie event center. You are welcome to select your own accommodation. Please note: you will be required to sort your own transportation to and from the conference venue.

Travel Support:

A limited number of Air Travel Scholarships for those with need.

For those facing financial barriers to participation due to travel costs, IWCNZ is offering a limited number of air travel scholarships from cities in the South Island and Lower North Island to make the event more accessible to all. We kindly request that only individuals with genuine financial needs apply for this support. If you can comfortably afford your travel, please book independently. We are only accepting travel scholarship applications from October 15th - November 15th. The link to apply for the travel scholarship is here - https://forms.gle/JJQoDHib2WLmJh6C8

Please note, IWCNZ also gratefully accepts contributions to sponsor another attendee's transport, helping to bring more of our community together, please contact the team at [email protected] if you would like to donate to support a sister’s travel and they will advise you on how to do so, or you can use the add on when purchasing the ticket.

There will also be a bus/van service to and from Hamilton at a subsidised cost.

• Hamilton Transport: $30.00 return

To secure your seat, you must purchase your bus ticket through Eventbrite when you register. Please note that the departure times are yet to be confirmed. Your information package will include the exact time and location of pick-up and drop-off.

Also, please be aware that you must arrange your own transport to the bus pick-up and drop-off location (which will be fairly central)

Agenda of Conference:

Please note this is a tentative programme, and the full programme will be available by February 28th, 2025.

The afternoon activity allows you to spend time with sisters who have similar interests. This year, you can decide how to spend your afternoon and we offer several to select from

Auckland City Experience: Free

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Auckland city. If you wish to participate in any activities within the city area, you are welcome to book and pay directly with the vendors. We kindly request that any activities be scheduled between 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Buses will be available to and from the city for your convenience.

For those interested in visiting New Zealand’s tallest building and taking in breathtaking 360° views of Auckland, you can explore the Sky Tower. Tickets can be booked online through the SkyWalk website, where you will receive a 20% discount for online purchases. The designated pick-up point will be at the Sky Tower, making it an easy starting point for your city adventure! https://skycityauckland.co.nz/sky-tower/admissions/

Ladies Nature Hike

Price: Free

One of the best 1.5-hour hikes in Auckland is the Mount Eden Summit Track. This relatively short and well-marked trail takes you to the summit of Mount Eden (Maungawhau), the highest volcanic cone in Auckland.

The hike offers stunning panoramic views of the city and beyond, including the Waitematā Harbour and the Sky Tower. The path is mostly gentle, making it accessible for most fitness levels. At the top, you can explore the crater and enjoy the scenic surroundings. It's a great option for those looking to experience a bit of nature without committing to a longer trek

Islamic Workshop

Price: Free

A more in depth two-hour Islamic workshop, this afternoon session is designed to focus on the conference theme, and to provide attendees with additional knowledge about our deen and the sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

High Tea and Gardens Experience:
Price: $60.00

Enjoy a delightful high tea surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Eden Gardens. After exploring the gardens, indulge in a selection of sweet and saveour items and a variety of teas. This relaxing experience combines exquisite culinary delights with the serenity of nature, making it a perfect outing for a touch of elegance. Note: This will be vegetarian

Self Defence Workshop

Price: $5.00

Empower yourself with our engaging self-defense class, designed for individuals of all skill levels. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn practical techniques to protect yourself and boost your confidence. Led by experienced instructors, the class covers essential self-defense moves, situational awareness, and personal safety tips. Participants will practice realistic scenarios in a supportive environment, enhancing both physical and mental resilience. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills or simply feel more secure, this class is a valuable opportunity to invest in your safety and well-being. Join us for an informative and empowering experience!

Tatreez Workshop

Price: $15.00

Join us for a creative and inspiring Tatreez workshop, where you’ll learn the art of traditional Palestinian embroidery. This hands-on experience offers participants the opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance behind Tatreez while developing your own stitching skills.Led by skilled instructors, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance to create beautiful embroidered pieces, from intricate patterns to unique designs. All materials will be provided, making it easy for everyone to participate, regardless of experience level. This workshop not only fosters creativity but also connects participants to a meaningful cultural heritage. Come and enjoy an afternoon of art, community, and cultural exchange.

All main meals and beverages provided will be Halal. There will be a station available for coffee and tea throughout meal times.

You are most welcome to bring your own additional snacks. We highly recommend you bring a water bottle with you for the activity period.

If you have any specific dietary requirements please ensure you let us know of these details in the registration form.

Friday 25th of April

A light dinner will be provided on Friday evening.

• To ensure adequate catering, please indicate your attendance for the Friday night sessions on the registration form. Please note that we are unable to adjust numbers on the day, so advance notice is required.

Saturday 26th of April

On Saturday morning tea will be provided to all attendees. For lunch, a packed lunch will be prepared for you to take away for your activity. In the evening, a seated formal dinner will be served for all attendees to enjoy, if you are attending the Gala night.

Sunday 27th of April.

On Sunday, following the AGM, morning tea will be provided.

For questions and inquiries please contact our Community Development Team on:

or call us on 09-2208800

Jazakum Allah Khair

Host or Publisher IWNCZ