Two Imams are heading to Tauranga to engage in positive discussions with the public about Islam.

The Tauranga event is part of a nationwide drive aiming to educate the public on the teachings of Islam to build lasting friendships.

From Saturday, March 13, to Saturday, April 3, the team of Wellington-based Imam Mustenser Qamar and Waikato-based Imam Sabahuzafar will be stopping at different towns and cities across the country, arriving in Tauranga on Monday, March 29.

‘We Are One' was the message two years ago, after the Christchurch terror attack of March 2019.

The timing of the drive is no coincidence, as he believes the unity on show two years ago highlights how New Zealanders are open to embracing all walks of life.

'We've already seen that New Zealand is not immune to misunderstandings and extremism,” says Imam Qamar.

'As we recall the horrific events from two years ago, we remember the tragedy, the loss of life, but also the coming together of the whole nation and standing against discrimination and terror. The unity displayed was unprecedented and unseen.”

However, he also concedes there is still work that needs to be done.

'Since then, there have still been racist and Islamophobic events occurring throughout the country including a recent threat to attack the same two mosques in Christchurch.

'Where we need to stand together, we also feel a need to educate. Ignorance leads to misunderstandings, which can lead to negative perceptions and stereotyping. We want to continue to provide people an opportunity to meet a Muslim and also, if they wish, to ask any questions they may have about our faith.”

Last year a team, led by the same two Imams, visited Nelson, Blenheim and Christchurch alongside other towns on the way.

'We did experience some verbal abuse during our campaign,” says Imam Sabahuzafar.

'However, there were much more positives to be taken from the trip.

'For example, we met some people who had many questions and preferred to meet us alone. By the end of the sessions, they had completely changed their perceptions about us. We also had some people who were just intrigued about the campaign and we ended up building some lasting friendships.”

Throughout the tour, the group will be heading to the streets wearing shirts saying ‘I'm a Muslim ask me anything' and ‘Meet a Muslim' and arranging ‘Coffee, Cake and True Islam' sessions with the hope of engaging in positive discussions and building lasting friendships.

The team will also be presenting the Kuranu Tapu, the Holy Quran translated into Te Reo Maori, to maraes across Aotearoa.

Imam Qamar also reveals they plan to document their journey with the hope of creating a YouTube video to spread their message even further.

As well as Tauranga, the team will be visiting Rotorua, Hamilton and Taupo, as well as several other main cities across New Zealand.

'We invite everyone, whether you have questions or not, to just come and meet us,” Imam Sabahuzafar says.

'Get to know a Muslim and let's continue to lead the world in showing how unity and friendship are part of the solution.”

More details about their tour can be found on their Facebook page ‘True Islam NZ'.