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“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 … View more“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......
Make a handy seed tray that can also double as a mini propagator. Finish in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Silvered Grey for a sleek look. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Make a handy seed tray that can also double as a mini propagator. Finish in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Silvered Grey for a sleek look. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Stunning Apple Green Two-Tier Ruby Maxi Dress
- Excellent condition
- Size 12
- Made from a high-quality chiffon (100% Chiffon)
- Drapes beautifully and feels soft against the skin
- It features a flattering silhouette that will accentuate your curves and make you feel confident all day long
… View moreStunning Apple Green Two-Tier Ruby Maxi Dress
- Excellent condition
- Size 12
- Made from a high-quality chiffon (100% Chiffon)
- Drapes beautifully and feels soft against the skin
- It features a flattering silhouette that will accentuate your curves and make you feel confident all day long
Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or just want to feel fabulous, the Ruby Dress is the perfect choice.
Please note that this dress is not lined
Only worn once
RRP $189.00
Cornhole is the perfect game for summer entertaining and the matching scoreboard helps you see who’s winning at a glance.
Finish in contrasting Resene Lustacryl colours or choose complementary colours to suit your home.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step … View moreCornhole is the perfect game for summer entertaining and the matching scoreboard helps you see who’s winning at a glance.
Finish in contrasting Resene Lustacryl colours or choose complementary colours to suit your home.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
What’s your vision for the future of Canterbury’s public transport? Would you be happy with pets joining their owners on board in Greater Christchurch and Timaru, in carriers, at off-peak times?
We want to hear from you – our Regional Public Transport Plan is now open for consultation.
… View moreWhat’s your vision for the future of Canterbury’s public transport? Would you be happy with pets joining their owners on board in Greater Christchurch and Timaru, in carriers, at off-peak times?
We want to hear from you – our Regional Public Transport Plan is now open for consultation.
Have your say before 5pm on Thursday 24 October.
ecan.govt.nz/pt4me
A large blaze broke out in a commercial building in the central city early Thursday morning.
What you need to know:
- Residents in parts of Christchurch are now being warned to stay indoors and keep windows shut.
- Thick smoke billowed through the sky after the blaze broke out in Sydenham.
- … View moreA large blaze broke out in a commercial building in the central city early Thursday morning.
What you need to know:
- Residents in parts of Christchurch are now being warned to stay indoors and keep windows shut.
- Thick smoke billowed through the sky after the blaze broke out in Sydenham.
- Dozens of firefighters were tackling the fire, which is in a building just off Colombo St housing a number of companies including Phoenix Recycling and vehicle certification company Auto Inspection Services.
- The fire is understood to have mainly affected the eastern part of the building, housing Auto Inspection Services. Its owner said he believed the fire had started in the adjacent recycling centre and had spread to his firm’s part of the building.
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand incident controller Dave Key said the fire was believed to have started in a pile of rubbish, and that the main damage from the blaze was to the building itself. The blaze was contained shortly after 8am, but fire crews would be at the scene for the rest of the day, he said.
Keep up to date on Stuff website. Did you see the smoke from your place?
- Adam's Curse: A Future Without Men by Bryan Sykes
- Wanderings with the Māori Prophets Te Whiti and Tohu by John P. Ward. Please email details of cost and contact to Deborah debwnz@gmail.com
I've just built and installed these planters for a client in Riccarton.
These custom built planter boxes are made from treated timber, filled with quality planting mix and are ready for our awesome selection of plants.
If you're garden needs something like this, get in touch through… View moreI've just built and installed these planters for a client in Riccarton.
These custom built planter boxes are made from treated timber, filled with quality planting mix and are ready for our awesome selection of plants.
If you're garden needs something like this, get in touch through our website today...
www.goodnaturegardens.com...
Various types of kowhai, approx 1m tall. Price is per plant, 10 available at the time of listing.
Pickup in Bryndwr
Get painting and help Kiwi kids. Buy any Resene 60 mL testpot colour starting with the letter P, O or T and Resene will donate $1 to Plunket NZ.
Visit your local Resene ColorShop to find all the colour you need to bring out the best in your home.
Have you lost this cover as pictured this would have been blown away from somewhere? I found this hanging on the telephone wire in our front yard.
We're seeking adults aged 65+ to participate in a clinical trial researching a combined COVID-19 and flu vaccine. By joining, you'll be helping us research a single vaccine form of flu and COVID protection for yourself and others globally.
Why participate? Receive a single shot for … View moreWe're seeking adults aged 65+ to participate in a clinical trial researching a combined COVID-19 and flu vaccine. By joining, you'll be helping us research a single vaccine form of flu and COVID protection for yourself and others globally.
Why participate? Receive a single shot for potentially dual protection. Make a real difference in global health. Your participation brings us closer to more effective flu defence strategy.
You’ll be reimbursed up to $945 before tax for participating in this study.
Apply online today or phone us on 0800 862 278. Our clinical trials involve an investigative drug and study assessments.
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