A meeting aimed at easing tensions caused by the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad is to take place today.
It will involve representatives from The Dominion Post, The Press, TVNZ and TV3, along with Muslim, Jewish and Christian religious leaders.
Race Relations Commissioner, Joris de Bres, says he is delighted at the willingness of the two sides to get together at short notice to discuss the issue.
Meanwhile, diplomats and trade officials continue to look for any signs of a Muslim backlash against New Zealand exporters.
Export New Zealand chief executive, Bob Walters, says a number of companies have expressed concern at the potential impact on business. He says companies are also concerned for the safety of their staff abroad.
In total, New Zealand trade with Islamic countries is worth about $1.5 billion.
The publication of the cartoons - one of which depicts Muhammad with turban resembling a bomb - has angered Muslims throughout the world.
The prime minister of Denmark, where the cartoons were first published, appeared on television this morning to call for calm.
Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen condemned violent reactions to the cartoons' publication, stating "the way ahead is through dialogue and tolerance, not violence".
At least nine people have now died in some of the worst violence to erupt over satirical cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, which have provoked a deepening crisis between Europe and the Muslim world.
In Afghanistan, NATO has sent British reinforcements to a riot-hit town after crowds protesting at the cartoons attacked peacekeepers. Norway's defence ministry said five Norwegians had been hurt in the riot.
