Lincoln alumnus Dr Hanif Quazi, founder of the Masjid Al-Noor Mosque which was struck by tragedy in the Christchurch shootings, is holding a seminar on campus tonight as he seeks how to reach all sectors of society with the message of cultural acceptance.
The seminar is titled ‘The Role of the Lincoln Science Community in the Making of Multicultural New Zealand'.
Dr Quazi, came to Lincoln College from Pakistan in 1967 to start his PhD in plant science, as a self-described cultural novice.
He said the support of common Kiwis, including homemakers, clergy, diplomats and his colleagues and students, enabled him to develop and transfer improved technologies across cultures.
In New Zealand he has lobbied for global halal meat trade, built Masjid Al-Noor in Christchurch and created Muslim organisations.
In his career he has developed, virus-free seed potato, aphid resistant fodder rape, thornless loganberry and pioneered in-vitro culture of lavender.
In a tribal village in Pakistan called Gunyar he introduced New Zealand based technologies for grasslands and community forest management, Karitane nursing/neonatal health care, and acquainted New Zealand diplomats with Pakistan and Afghan tribal cultures. The village has since become a model for social development in the third World.
Dr Quazi was awarded the Lincoln University Alumni International medal in 2009.
Doors open at 5pm for a 5:30pm start.
You can register for the event at https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/dr-hanif-quazi-the-role-of-the-lincoln-science-community-in-the-making-of-multicultural-new-zealand-tickets-59745636808