Malay Muslim migrants in Christchurch : Attitudes towards and use of recreation and leisure provision : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at Lincoln University

Abstract

There is a lack of research on leisure constraints and the types of leisure opportunities for migrants, particularly Muslim migrants, when participating in leisure activities in their host country. Therefore, the present study explores the participation of Malay Muslim migrants, who mainly originated from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, in the available leisure and recreational opportunities in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The purposes of the present study were: a) to examine Malay Muslim migrants' settlement and adjustment issues in their lives in the host country, with particular reference to leisure and recreational activity, b) to study their perceptions of their leisure and recreation opportunities and constraints, c) to observe the differences or changes in family leisure activities in the host society and migrants' country of origin, and d) to investigate whether the constraints' to participation are caused by migrant cultural and religious practices and or the inadequacy of leisure provision in Christchurch to cater for migrant leisure participation needs.

The participants were 12 Malay Muslim migrants, in Christchurch, who agreed to be interviewed for the study. A qualitative face to face interview approach was used for the study. Results revealed that: a) respondents took advantage of the leisure and recreation opportunities provided by the Christchurch City Council; b) constraints and barriers were not the limiting factors in respondents' use of publicly provided facilities such as urban parks, swimming pools and recreation centres, in part because of the flexibility of interpretation of the requirements of Islam.