Growing up Muslim in Southland

Muhammed Faris Rifqi Kusumadinata was born and grew up in Central Southland until he was ten, when he and his parents moved to Indonesia.

Six months ago, he moved back to New Zealand to go to University and spent the summer working on his uncle’s dairy farm in Southland.

Faris - as he is known -  shared what it’s like being part of the world’s most southern Muslim community and how his faith intersects with the people, culture and lifestyle of Southland.

More stories:

‘It’s like the Muslim Met Gala’: Tāmaki Makaurau celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

"The build up for the Eid ‘fit is extra exciting because it’s a day when we wear our best clothes."

Celebrating Eid in NZ: Fashion, food and family

"Everyone wears the nicest clothes they have or they’ll buy new outfits or dress however they want."

Respectfully, Charles is not my people’s King

My people never agreed for Charles to be our King.