Age Concern New Zealand wishes everyone a safe and fun filled Halloween.
We wish everyone a safe Halloween but we need to remember that not everyone wants to be part of Halloween celebrations.
For some older people Halloween can be a frightening and scary time so here are some helpful tips so everyone can enjoy themselves and come away with fond memories:
- Make it a family affair and go trick or treating with your kids or a group from your neighbourhood.
- Call your neighbours in advance to make sure it’s okay to call in to trick-or-treat
- If you don’t want trick-or-treaters calling print or make a sign for your letterbox or window saying no thanks. (New Zealand Police have had downloadable signs)
- If you are a trick-or-treater, respect the people who have a sign asking for you to stay away
- Keep your lights on and guests outside
- Keep your eye out for your older family members, friends and neighbours this Halloween and make sure we all get to enjoy the celebration.
Remember you can help make this a great celebration for your family and community and a great opportunity to connect with your older neighbours.
If you want to go one step further Age Concern New Zealand would like to encourage all Kiwis to sign up to their Dignity Champion Campaign to show a commitment to breaking down ageism and stereotypes and encouraging dignity and respect for older people.
Become an Age Concern Dignity Champion www.ageconcern.org.nz... this Halloween and involve and celebrate the older people in your lives.
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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......
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