Ola Kamel

Ola Ahmed Abd-El-Latif Kamel (born July 3, 1956) in Cairo, Egypt, was the Spokesperson for An-Nur Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, Treasurer for the South Island branch of the New Zealand Labour Party, and founder of the Labour Party's Multi-Ethnic Branch. In 2004 she was also a candaidate for Christchurch's 20/21 in local elections and before then twice a List Candidate for the Labour Party in national elections. She has also spoken widely in inter-faith forums and participated numerous times in protests aganist the Iraq War.

She does not seem to be seeking office currently and has toned down her political and communal activities.

She is a descendant of Muhammad Ali of Egypt's high order nobility and is married into the aristocratic Egyptian Abaza Family.

From the fragmentary relevant information available online, citing and indicating Ola Kamel's political activities and leanings, her official 2004 election blurb stated:

"I came to Christchurch from Egypt almost 8 years ago after a career in banking and became heavily involved with community work. My contributions included work with local community associations, inter-faith dialogue and refugee family aid. I put time and effort into encouraging minority groups to become involved in their communities because I believe that participation is the key to community harmony and democracy. I feel that the increased involvement of ethnic minorities in public life is necessary to substantiate New Zealand’s slogans about multi-culturalism and diversity. I also believe that good affordable housing is a basic need for all people. I support the initiatives the City Council has taken in providing low-cost housing and will work to ensure that that new rental housing is built for people with genuine needs. My commitment is to be available to local people and to represent their views.

New Zealand's Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Chris Carter, addressing Ola Kamel at an EAC event.

Ola Kamel at the International Conference for Muslim Women

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