|
|
|
Last Updated: Jun 25th, 2007 - 17:07:26 |
Call for halal role for Govt
23 October 2006
JANINE BENNETTS
Some Christchurch Muslims are calling for the Government to take over halal meat certification to better manage the multimillion- dollar export industry.
Halal meat exports are worth about $220 million a year to New Zealand, but some say the industry could make far more if it was centrally managed.
Promiment Christchurch Muslim Dr Fouad, who has asked to be referred to by his first name, said disputes over halal certification were causing problems in Muslim communities around the country and tarnishing the industry's reputation overseas.
Christchurch's Muslim community has been divided over the management of its mosque for several months and, according to Fouad, halal was at the heart of the problem.
"The halal certificate is a business and therefore it is causing all this trouble in the mosque – it's about money," Fouad said. "New Zealand cannot afford this in this competitive international market."
He said the industry should be controlled by a government department.
"This is New Zealand's interest and the New Zealand Government is leaving it in the hands of private companies and they don't have any control," he said. "By not doing that it will cause forever problems with the communities."
Disputes over the certification of halal meat in New Zealand have been ongoing for years.
Halal certification for international export is almost exclusively handled through the Wellington-based Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ).
In 2004, the Muslim Association of Canterbury (MAC) accused FIANZ of endorsing non-halal meat when it found some halal slaughtermen were unable to fulfil their Muslim requirement of praying five times a day.
Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful or permissible. Muslims must eat halal foods and animals must be slaughtered by Muslims in accordance with the Islamic Sharia (religious guidelines).
MAC association president Khalifa Al-hasi did not wish to comment except to say that the Christchurch community was happy with the way halal meat was being dealt with.
Abdullah Drury, a former MAC board member, said disputes were dragging the halal industry into politics.
"Within the Muslim community it creates conflict over where the money is spent and the allocation of resources," Drury said. "Things end up being focused on money rather than religion."
Drury said that if halal certification was run by a small government department it would make things simpler and improve international credibility.
"I think it would make a much better impression to overseas observers and visitors if it was all being handled in the most professional manner possible."
FIANZ president Javed Khan said most people were happy with the way halal certification was being run.
"I think things are all working pretty well at the moment," Khan said.
He said the industry was very professional and there was no need for government intervention.
NZ Islamic Meat Management director Mohamed Abel-al said the current system was well respected by international buyers and it would be inappropriate for the Government to step in.
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
|
