Muslim Yellow Pages NZ Launches First Mobile App to Connect the Community

Sixteen years ago, Naveed Ahmed, an immigrant who arrived in New Zealand in 1998, faced a common yet significant challenge—finding reliable halal service providers in an unfamiliar country. Like many newcomers, he encountered difficulties in accessing essential services that aligned with his religious and cultural needs. Determined to create a better experience for others, Ahmed established the Muslim Yellow Pages NZ, a physical directory that quickly became an indispensable tool for the Muslim community across the country.

Today, that resource has evolved into a modern, digital tool: the Muslim Yellow Pages NZ mobile app. With this launch, the directory not only embraces technology but also opens a new chapter in its journey to serve and empower the community.

The Muslim Community in New Zealand

The Muslim population in New Zealand has grown steadily over the past two decades. According to the 2018 Census, there were over 57,000 Muslims in the country, representing a 24% increase from 2013. This growth has been accompanied by a rising demand for services that cater to the needs of Muslim families, travelers, and businesses. From halal-certified food to prayer spaces, the community’s requirements have driven the creation of innovative solutions.

The Muslim Yellow Pages NZ has been at the forefront of addressing these needs. By providing a centralized directory of halal services, it has played a pivotal role in fostering community connections and supporting Muslim-owned businesses.

Distributed at mosques, Islamic centers, and community hubs, the Muslim Yellow Pages NZ was a familiar sight for years. It offered a comprehensive guide to halal restaurants, grocery stores, Islamic schools, and other essential services. While the physical directory served its purpose well, the limitations of print became apparent in an increasingly digital world.

Enter Nawaz Ahmed, Naveed’s son, who has been instrumental in transforming the platform. As a General Partner at GD1, one of New Zealand’s largest venture capital firms, Nawaz brought his expertise in Web3, cryptocurrency, and digital innovation to the project. “Historically, our reach was limited to a basic website and physical directories distributed at places of worship,” Nawaz explains. “The app changes everything by making our resources instantly accessible to anyone, anywhere.”

The Muslim Yellow Pages NZ App

The app is designed to meet the modern needs of users while staying true to its mission of serving the Muslim community. Key features include:

• Comprehensive Listings: Users can find halal-certified restaurants, grocery stores, mosques, Islamic schools, and more with just a few taps.

• Interactive Maps: The app provides geolocation services to help users navigate to nearby halal establishments and prayer spaces.

• Community Reviews: A rating and review system ensures transparency and helps users make informed choices.

• Real-Time Updates: Businesses can update their listings to reflect changes in hours, certifications, or offerings.

• Multilingual Support: Catering to New Zealand’s diverse Muslim community, the app supports multiple languages, including Arabic, Urdu, and Malay.

• Tourist Assistance: Special features for Muslim travelers include recommendations for family-friendly attractions and tips for navigating the country.

Halal tourism is a booming global industry, with the market projected to reach $283 billion by 2028. New Zealand has recognized this opportunity and positioned itself as a welcoming destination for Muslim travelers. The country’s stunning landscapes, coupled with its growing network of halal-certified services, make it a prime location for Muslim-friendly tourism.

The Muslim Yellow Pages NZ app is poised to play a significant role in this sector. For travelers, the app serves as a trusted guide to halal services and experiences. “Through the app, Muslims visiting New Zealand can instantly find reliable service providers they can trust,” Nawaz notes. “This not only enhances their experience but also supports the New Zealand economy by attracting more visitors.”

In the past, the directory partnered with Tourism New Zealand and FIANZ to publish the NZ Halal Food Guide. Building on this foundation, the app aims to include additional features such as interactive tourist itineraries and recommendations for Muslim-friendly activities.

The Leadership Behind the Transformation

Nawaz Ahmed’s vision and leadership have been key to the app’s development. A seasoned angel investor and host of the popular podcast The Inquisitive VC, Nawaz has a proven track record of driving innovation. His experience in venture capital and his passion for empowering communities have made him the ideal leader for this project.

“Developing this app has been a labor of love,” Nawaz shares. “It reflects the trust and support we’ve received from the Muslim community over the years. Our goal is to create a platform that not only meets today’s needs but also anticipates the future.”

The app has already garnered praise from early users:

1. Fatima Khan, a mother of three, says, “The app has made life so much easier. I can quickly find halal restaurants when traveling with my family. It’s a game-changer!”

2. Imran Sheikh, a small business owner, adds, “Listing my grocery store on the app has increased my customer base. It’s great to see a platform that supports Muslim businesses.”

3. Ayesha Malik, a university student, shares, “As someone new to New Zealand, the app has been invaluable. It helped me find a mosque and connect with the community.”

One of the app’s primary goals is to uplift Muslim-owned businesses by connecting them with a wider audience. By providing a platform for these businesses to showcase their offerings, the app fosters economic growth within the community.

Additionally, the app’s advertising options allow businesses to reach targeted audiences effectively, ensuring sustainability and growth.

Expanding Horizons

The launch of the Muslim Yellow Pages NZ app is just the beginning. Nawaz and his team have ambitious plans to expand its features and reach. These include:

• Collaborations with global platforms to provide users with an integrated experience.

• International Expansion: Exploring opportunities to replicate the app’s model in other countries with growing Muslim populations.

• AI-Powered Recommendations: Utilizing artificial intelligence to provide personalized suggestions based on user preferences.

• Educational Resources: Adding content on halal certification, Islamic finance, and community events to educate and empower users.

“Our vision is to make the app a one-stop solution for all things halal,” Nawaz explains. “We want it to be a tool that empowers individuals, supports businesses, and strengthens community ties.”

While the app is primarily designed for the Muslim community, it also serves as a bridge between cultures. By showcasing the contributions of Muslim-owned businesses and organizations, it fosters understanding and appreciation among New Zealand’s diverse population.

“This app is not just for Muslims,” Nawaz emphasizes. “It’s for anyone who wants to learn about halal services and the vibrant Muslim community in New Zealand. We hope it becomes a platform for cross-cultural exchange and mutual respect.”

The Importance of Digital Transformation

The digital transformation of the Muslim Yellow Pages NZ reflects a broader trend within global Muslim communities. Increasingly, Muslims are turning to technology for everything from food delivery to prayer space locators. By embracing this trend, the app ensures that New Zealand’s Muslim community remains connected and empowered in the digital age.

Moreover, the app’s environmentally friendly approach—eliminating the need for printed directories—aligns with global efforts to reduce waste. It’s a step forward in sustainability, making it a win-win for the community and the planet.

The Role of Technology

The development of the Muslim Yellow Pages NZ app highlights the power of technology in promoting inclusivity. By leveraging modern tools, the app breaks down barriers, ensuring that essential services are accessible to everyone. This aligns with New Zealand’s broader commitment to diversity and cultural understanding.

The app also creates opportunities for non-Muslim businesses to connect with the Muslim community. For example, restaurants and retailers that offer halal options can list their services, expanding their reach and fostering cross-cultural connections.

Empowering the Next Generation

In addition to its practical features, the app has plans to incorporate educational resources. These initiatives aim to:

1. Teach users about the importance of halal certification and how to identify authentic providers.

2. Share insights into Islamic finance, helping individuals make informed decisions about their financial future.

3. Promote awareness about community events and programs, encouraging participation and engagement.

These resources not only empower users but also help bridge knowledge gaps between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

The launch of the Muslim Yellow Pages NZ app is a milestone moment for the directory and the community it serves. It symbolizes the ability to adapt, innovate, and meet the evolving needs of a diverse and dynamic population.

For users, the app offers convenience, reliability, and a sense of belonging. For businesses, it provides a platform to thrive. And for New Zealand, it underscores the country’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity.

Whether you’re a local looking for halal services or a traveler exploring the beauty of New Zealand, the Muslim Yellow Pages NZ app is here to make life easier, more connected, and more fulfilling. With its launch, the directory proves that even the simplest ideas, when driven by passion and dedication, can leave a lasting impact.