Growing Muslim population in Rolleston fundraises for Selwyn's first mosque
By reporter Jody O'Callaghan:
The growing Muslim community in Rolleston has begun an almighty task to fundraise to build a new masjid where they can worship in the fast-growing town.
Nehaad Al-waiz, 27, felt isolated praying five times a day from home, so he got a group together to rent a room in the industrial area of the town on the southern outskirts of Christchurch.
The number of Muslims in the town has tripled between the last two available Censuses, leading the Rolleston Islamic Charitable Trust start dreaming of a mosque of their own. Now they’re determined to turn that dream into a reality.
“When we build something, it will be a masjid, the very first in Selwyn, for everyone.”
Due to specific needs around consents and so as not to disturb anyone, the group will need to raise “anywhere from $1.2 to $2.4 million” for the land alone in either a commercial zone or lifestyle block.
Read the full story here.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
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Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.2% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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