Our Story
Founded in 1979, the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) established the Halal Certification Programme to ensure authentic, Shariah-compliant Halal assurance for the national industries and export sectors.
FIANZ is the leading national authority for Halal certification, Islamic advocacy, and community service in Aotearoa New Zealand. For more than four decades, FIANZ Halal has built a trusted reputation locally and internationally by upholding the highest standards of Halal integrity, ethical practice, and transparency.
Our commitment goes beyond certification, we serve as a bridge between communities, industries, and global partners to strengthen confidence in New Zealand’s Halal sector.
Who We Are
Established Since 1979
Established in 1979 as the first National Association for New Zealand Muslims
Charitable Organisation
Registered as a charitable trust under the New Zealand Government Charities Act
National Alliance
FIANZ Inc. is an alliance of seven regional Islamic centres and local associations across New Zealand.
Community Focused
70% of FIANZ’s annual operating surplus is paid back to the community to support initiatives across New Zealand.
Community Owned
Local associations collectively hold the assets of FIANZ as a charitable trust and owned by the Muslim community
Our Role
FIANZ plays an important role in supporting the Muslim community, strengthening social cohesion, and providing trusted Halal certification services.
- Halal certification
- Community programmes for NZ Muslims
- Advocacy on behalf of the Muslim community
- Represent the Muslim community in Government forums
- Dawah through sports and social cohesion
- Social services support
- Women and youth
- Education and schooling
Our Vision
To be a globally recognised Halal certifying body that enhances trust, strengthens economic opportunity, and supports the spiritual, cultural, and social well-being of Muslim communities in New Zealand and worldwide.
Our Mission
To uphold and promote Halal integrity in New Zealand by providing trusted certification services, community leadership, and transparent engagement with local and international partners.
Trust
We maintain rigorous Halal standards backed by international recognition.
Transparency
Clear processes, responsible governance, and open communication.
Community Service
Supporting Muslim communities through education, advocacy, and resource development.
Global Confidence
Ensuring New Zealand Halal products are accepted in key export markets across Asia, Middle East, and Europe.
Why Choose Us?
Providing trusted Halal Certification, specialised and accredited training, research-led innovation and advancing New Zealand’s Halal Ecosystem.
Services
- Gold Standard Halal Certification
- Halal Services Consulting
- NZQA Accredited Training Provider
- International Standards Training
- Halal Innovation & Research
- Community Engagement
Benefits
- Strong credibility and consumer trust
- Backed by world class technical and shariah experts
- Market access to over 50 International markets
- Guided by qualified Halal auditors
- Over 70% of profits go back to community (charitable organization)
- Approved by the world’s largest international accreditation bodies
- Qualified and ISO and GSO trained Technical Auditors
Global Accreditation and Recognition
Our accreditations ensure that every certificate issued by FIANZ Halal is credible, compliant, and internationally respected.
- JAS-ANZ
- JAKIM
- GCC Accreditation Center
- SASO
- MUIS
- The CENTRAL ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF THAILAND
- Saudi Halal Center
- BPJPH (Click here for Decision document)
Global Recognition
FIANZ Halal certification is recognised by a wide range of international authorities, including:
- Middle Eastern national halal authorities
- Southeast Asian halal regulators
- International corporate buyers
This recognition enables New Zealand exporters to confidently access high-value global halal markets.
Government-Approved Export Assurance
FIANZ Halal Ltd is recognized as an Approved Halal Organisation (AHO) under New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This designation underscores our long-standing commitment to maintaining halal integrity, advancing research and industry growth, ensuring regulatory excellence, and providing dedicated community service.
A Trusted Bridge in Halal Compliance
A Trusted Bridge in Halal Compliance
Producers and Consumers
Facilitating trust and transparency by ensuring that halal standards are upheld throughout the production and supply chain.
Exporters and Global Markets
Assisting New Zealand businesses in accessing international markets by providing comprehensive halal certification that meets global requirements.
Regulatory Bodies and Industry Stakeholders
Collaborating with governmental and industry organizations to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding halal practices and ensure compliance with national and international standards.
Islamic principles
NZ Government standards
Global market expectations
Regulatory Alignment & Food Export Assurance
FIANZ Halal works in partnership with MPI to support New Zealand’s food export sector through:
- Approval and oversight within the halal export system
- Alignment with national food safety legislation and plant operating standards
- Ongoing compliance monitoring to maintain international confidence
- Industry support for exporters targeting Muslim-majority markets
This collaboration ensures halal products exported from New Zealand are compliant, reliable, and internationally recognised.
Approved Halal Organisation (AHO)
As a government-recognised AHO, FIANZ Halal operates under the New Zealand Halal Export Assurance System, ensuring that:
- Certification processes, auditors, and documentation meet MPI requirements
- Halal certificates are accepted as part of official export certification for meat, poultry, and other animal products
This framework ensures every certified product meets both Islamic requirements and New Zealand regulatory standards.
Why Government Recognition Matters
- Give consumers confidence that Halal standards are upheld under both religious and regulatory oversight.
- Allows businesses access to international markets requiring government-verified Halal certification.
- Strengthens trade relationships with international markets.
- Continued global trust in New Zealand’s Halal food sector as clean and natural products backed by strong Halal assurance program
Our Team
Business Directors
Shameel Sahib
Chairman of Business Board
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Rizwaan Khan
Board of Directors
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ibrar Sheikh
Board of Directors
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
FIANZ Halal Operations Management Team
Halal Auditors
Nizam Shah
Lead Halal Auditor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Inamul Haque Malik
Halal Auditor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Khalid Fakir
Halal Auditor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Sharmake Ismail
Halal Auditor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Muhammad Khair Ismail
Halal Auditor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ulema Board
Sheikh Muhammad Shaakir Ismail
Chairman Halal Ulema Board
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Sheikh Khalil Nadat
Halal Ulema Board
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Sheikh Mohammad Amir
Halal Ulema Board
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Our Socio-Economic Impact
FIANZ Halal certification strengthens New Zealand’s global reputation, opens high-value markets, and reinvests into community development, education, and welfare—creating long-term social and economic benefit for all.
Economic Growth for New Zealand
Halal certification strengthens New Zealand’s export economy, supporting billions in food and agricultural exports each year.
Employment Opportunities
Through Halal auditor training, industry partnerships, and manufacturing compliance, FIANZ Halal contributes to job creation across sectors.
Community Support
Over 70% of FIANZ Halal revenue supports Muslim community development, including welfare, education, youth programmes, and national Islamic initiatives.
Strengthening Global Trust
By maintaining the highest Halal integrity, FIANZ Halal enhances New Zealand’s global reputation as a reliable supplier of Halal products.
Industry Education & Training
Through certified Halal training programmes, we elevate knowledge and compliance across New Zealand’s food and service sectors.
Equity & Impartiality
We apply Halal standards fairly and consistently to all clients, regardless of size, ownership, nationality, or background. All applications are assessed against the same documented requirements.
Our certification decisions are made independently and are free from commercial or personal influence. Auditors manage conflicts of interest and base decisions solely on objective audit evidence, supported by strong governance and transparent processes.
These principles ensure FIANZ Halal certification remains credible, reliable, and trusted globally.