A Wellington Eid event organiser says a recent spate of attacks towards the Muslim community won't dampen celebrations.
The Federation of Islamic Associations says it has been reassured by a meeting with police following incidents in the lead-up to this weekend's Eid festival. Photo: AFP
The Federation of Islamic Associations is advising Muslims to stay alert ahead of the biggest religious days of the year.
This follows the recent suspected hate crimes in Tauranga and Upper Hutt.
Traditional men's clothing and electronic equipment were stolen from a mosque in Tauranga on Monday night and a car was torched outside the building some hours later.
Earlier, on Saturday, a hearse - or janaza van - parked outside a mosque in Upper Hutt had its windscreen smashed.
With Wellington's first Eid Day celebration being hosted at Sky Stadium this weekend, organisers have assured attendees that they are working with authorities to ensure there will be an increased police presence at the event.
Event organiser Al-Kaif Khan said the community had a great relationship with police, who would be present at the celebrations.
"The New Zealand Eid Day Trust has formed a really good working relationship with the police over the years and so as part of the planning we always have police presence at our events.
"There will be an increased police presence patrolling in and around the area just to ensure that our patrons are safe (and) we've got a safe environment for everyone to enjoy," Kahn said.
He said having police there would bring comfort and showed that the Muslim community was being taken seriously.
Concerns had been raised about the possibility of the traditional men's clothing stolen from the Tauranga Mosque being used to gain access to the event.
However, Khan said the community remained focus on the celebrations ahead.
"Our people are quite vigilant after all the activities that unfolded in Christchurch so that's always going to be in the back of people's minds but we're there to celebrate our Eid festivities and so yeah we carry on with life."
He said police had assured organisers anything suspicious will be looked into.
Kahn said Sunday's celebration would be open to the public, with food stalls and entertainment with 3000 people expected to attend.
