Rent/board wanted
Hello everyone. My name's Johnny and I'm looking for a place to call home from late-August onwards. I'm leaving my current abode on August 7, doing a house-sitting gig for the next fortnight after that, and then looking to move in somewhere on August 23 (Wednesday) or the following weekend (August 26 & 27) at the latest. I work in Rolleston, so a location either there or in nearby Templeton or Hornby would be preferable - but I'll consider anything. I'm looking for a boarding/flatmate situation, internet facilities a must, and long-term please; let's face it, moving sucks. I'm 49, pleasant, child and pet-friendly, clean and tidy, always pay rent in advance and am extremely respectful of other people's 'space' and property. Work-wise I'm employed in the harness racing industry and have been for over three decades - marketing stallions, managing syndicates, writing articles, and designing and maintaining websites. Life is busy, but I like it like that. Hobbies include playing pool and poker. I don't have a lot of household furniture by choice, but own the basic necessities like a bed, dresser, and a couple of other nice things. It'd be great if the room you're trying to fill is large(ish), and/or if you had a little bit of space in your garage for me to store a couple of boxes, an armchair and a small table. I'm domesticated, so I don't need anyone to do my washing or cook my meals thanks; I buy my own food, make my lunch every morning, and then clean up afterwards every time - it'll be like I'm not even there. If I sound like the sort of guy who'd be 'right at home' in your home, please send me a text on 021 883 713 and I'll get back in touch with you as soon as possible. I've still got a few weeks to find a place, but I'd like to get it organised. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have. Cheers for reading, Johnny.
Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?
At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).
Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.
-
70.4% Yes
-
26.4% No
-
3.2% Other - I'll share below
This one was sent in by your fellow neighbour, can you figure it out?
What is first white then red and the plumper it gets the more the old lady likes it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Loading…
