New Zealand

Information

Demography

There are less than 10,000 Jews in New Zealand (less than 0.2% of the population) and only about 5,000 practicing. It is a vibrant community based mainly in Auckland and Wellington, with a small number in Dunedin and Christchurch.

History

The first Jewish congregation was established in 1843 in Wellington, closely followed by Auckland in 1848. They had links to the British and the convicts sent to Australia.

European immigration increased  to the South Island during the Gold Rush in the 1860s.

The first synagogue was inaugurated in 1867, in Auckland.

During the Holocaust, the New Zealand government restricted immigration to prevent refugees arriving, but there was a steady influx post-WW2 - survivors as well as immigrants from South Africa and Israel.

Public Life

There have been 4 Jewish prime ministers of New Zealand. The first was Julius Vogel 1873-75, and the last was John Key 2008-16, who whilst of Jewish descent, is not a practicing Jew.

Community Life

New Zealand has several synagogues and cultural centres. 

Judaism is practiced freely.

The majority of Jews are Orthodox although there is a small Progressive movement and 3 Chabad centres.

New Zealand are the first country in the world to bring in all the High Holidays due to the time zone differences!

There is an annual public event, 'Chanukah in the Park' where Jews and non-Jews gather to celebrate the festival with music and food.

Other Jewish organisations: The Zionist Federation of New Zealand; Auckland Jewish Immigration - assists integrate newly arrived Jewish families into the community; B'nai B'rith supports older members of the community.

Kashrut

Kosher food is limited but available.

Shechita is banned except for poultry, as importing poultry is banned. Kosher meat is imported.

Education

Kadimah Primary School in Auckland is the only Jewish in New Zealand.

Auckland Hebrew Congregation run a Cheder.

Youth

New Zealand is affiliated to B'nei Avika and Habonim Dror.

The Australasian Zionist Youth Council (AZYC) serves 7 Zionist youth movements across Australia and New Zealand.

The Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) represents university students in both Australia and New Zealand.

Media

Radio Shalom is a weekly radio programme in Auckland.

Affiliations

Commonwealth Jewish Council

World Jewish Congress