Zoroastrians living in New Zealand now number nearly 900, which is over 200 families. The major migration has taken effect post year 2001.

Zoroastrians living in Auckland meet and have functions on a regular basis at community centres or school halls. Mainly for the children's prayer classes and other Religious and Social functions.

Unfortunately, because of restrictions and bookings by other groups, these meetings and functions have to be held at various locations. Religious ceremonies have to be restricted and community activities have to be limited to comply with the venue regulations.

It is proposed that a community centre be established in Auckland. This will provide the Zoroastrian community in Auckland to have a permanent venue for their functions and get-togethers and provide a place for communal worship.

 Click here to access the ZCT brochure. 

• To have a permanent place for community functions and activities.
• To have a permanent place to hold regular classes for Zoroastrian education of children and adults.
• To have a permanent place for the Zoroastrian youth to interact and socialise
• To have a permanent place for a Library/Learning centre.
• To work together as a community for the long term good of the Zoroastrian community.
• To have a place of worship where religious ceremonies can be held without limitations or restrictions.

• Prayer classes are held every fortnight at a public hall.
• Religious functions, namely Jashans, are held at community centre halls or hotel/motel function rooms that do no have smoke detectors.
• Social/Cultural events are held at community centre halls or at restaurants.
• Sporting activities are held at school or sports/recreational venues.
• Dramatics and other indoor activities are held at community centre/ school halls.
• Zoroastrians living in Auckland have access to a privately managed Atash Dadgah.

• There is no community funded and maintained Zoroastrian place of worship. A place large enough, where Zoroastrians can pray and give reverence to Ahura Mazda as a community has become a necessity for the ever-expanding Zoroastrian community of Auckland.
• Restrictions and bookings by other groups means social functions have to be held at various locations.
• Religious ceremonies have to be restricted to comply with the venue regulations (e.g. timing, smoke hazard, number of people present, etc.).
• Activities and social events are not held that often because of the lack of a permanent venue.
• Youth do not have a place to 'hang out' and hence there is limited interaction between Zoroastrian youth.
• No Library for the storage of religious materials is available.
• No storage facility to store items for use at social, cultural and sporting events is available.

• A permanent place of worship where religious ceremonies can be held.
• A permanent place for community functions and activities.
• An available venue which can be used for Private functions (Weddings, Navjotes, birthdays, etc)
• A permanent place for the Zoroastrian youth to 'hang-out' and hold activities.
• A permanent place to store items for used at social, cultural and sporting events.
• A Library/Learning centre to store religious materials.
• Creating a legacy, which is beneficial to the present and the future of the Zoroastrian community in New Zealand.
• A proud feeling of community ownership, which we can confidently say, is 'OURS'.
• An investment whose value will appreciate over time.
• An asset that can be used as a foundation to expand upon, in order to meet the needs of the growing Zoroastrian community of New Zealand.

Purchase an existing building that best meets the requirements

Advantages:

• An asset of the Zoroastrian community.
• Annual investment required for upkeep and maintenance relatively low compared to leasing. Funds would be set aside for this purpose.
• Most of our requirements would be met.

Disadvantages:

• Funds would have to be collected for purchase, modifications and ongoing maintenance.
• Could take a long time to collect sufficient funds for the purchase, modifications and upkeep.
• If it takes a long time, people could lose interest in the project.
• In the immediate future we carry on as usual.
• May have to compromise on some of the key requirements.

Construct a building that best meets the requirements

Advantages:

• Designed to meet our exact requirements.
• An asset of the Zoroastrian community.
• Annual investment required for upkeep and maintenance relatively low compared to leasing. Funds would be set aside for this purpose.
• Most, if not all, of our requirements would be met.
• Could be designed with revenue generating activities in mind.

Disadvantages:

• Highest cost option.
• Funds would have to be collected for purchase and ongoing maintenance.
• Could take a long time to collect sufficient funds for the purchase and upkeep.
• If it takes a long time, people could lose interest in the project.
• In the immediate future we carry on as usual.

The indicative cost for the establishment of a modest Zoroastrian community centre is $2,000,000.