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First Muslim Politician in New Zealand

Dr. Ashraf Choudhary of Palmerston North, New Zealand is standing in the elections as a Labour Party List candidate.

Dr. Choudhary is of Asian background and has been resident in Palmerston North for over 22 years. He has a PhD in agricultural engineering and is a Senior Lecturer in the Technology and Engineering Institute at Massey University.

Ashraf is an academic with an excellent understanding of the tertiary education in New Zealand. He is a scientist of international repute and has a good handle of both New Zealand and international agricultural primary production and processing industry, it's potential and concerns. He has a deep understanding of environmental issues and has actually worked as an expert and consultant both nationally and internationally to help develop key initiatives to reduce environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable land resource management strategies. Having traveled to over 40 countries around the globe, and having worked in a number of countries, Ashraf has much appreciation of international affairs. He can relate to and has good understanding of the Asian mind in relation to both trade and diplomatic affairs. Ashraf has written and published over one hundred research papers and articles including three chapters in books. He is also the Editorial Advisory Board Member of two highly respected international science journals.

Dr. Choudhary's personal strengths include clear and strategic thinking, setting up clear goals and achievable objectives. He believes in teamwork, open communication, taking initiatives and being proactive. He is fully committed to working for building and empowering families and communities towards a harmonious and safer New Zealand.

Community Service

Dr Choudhary is a founding member of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, FIANZ. Currently, Ashraf is the National President of the New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Councils Inc. which consists of 13 regional councils throughout NZ representing about 15 % of the New Zealand population. He is Justice of the Peace for New Zealand; Member of PN City Council Environmental Trust; Acting Chairperson, Massey University Inter-Ethnic Research Committee; and a Member of the Manawatu-Wanganui Mid-Central Health Ethics Committee

Formerly, Ashraf has been the Founding Member, Vice President, and President of the Ethnic Council of Manawatu; Member of PN City Council Community Development Working Party; and PN City Safer Community Council Management. In addition, over the last 30 years Ashraf has held many positions in the student movement and in other socio-cultural organisations.

Political Views & Experience

Dr. Choudhary has been a supporter of the NZ Labour Party ever since he migrated to New Zealand. He has been enthusiastically helping the local Labour Electorate Committee with logistics and promotion. He has been actively promoting political awareness among ethnic communities. He believes that the NZ government needs to spend additional resources on export-led economic development, attracting high technology investment, job creation, social cohesion, and social justice. Furthermore, he believes strongly that we, as a civilized society, need to respect cultural diversity and protect cultural identity through consultative process and being inclusive in the democratic process.

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