Introducing our AMI Community Grant Finalists
This is the last daily showcase of two of our AMI Community Grant finalists, sharing a bit more about the great work that they're doing in Kiwi communities. You can help support these organisations by voting for them to win their share of $20,000.
Under the Stars - Homeless in Tauranga
We are a Charitable Trust feeding the homeless and needy. We supply hygiene necessities, blankets, and clothing for those in need. We are also fortunate to have a hairdresser occasionally on site who gives her services for free. Recently we have begun to hold a drop in afternoon every second Thursday, giving people the opportunity to have a light lunch and a chance to chat. We are hoping to develop this afternoon more by offering a variety of creative arts. The volunteers that commit time and energy towards our meals do so mostly out of their own funds.
VOTE NOW!
Proposed youth centre for Keith Street Wanganui central district
I propose the opening and running of a youth centre based in Keith street or Wanganui cbd. The benefits of having a youth centre in the community will bring together the younger and older generations, so we can learn from each others mistakes and experiences to enhance each other’s lives. We have a mixture of people from different cultures in our society in such a small radius that sometimes we forget about those who really are struggling with life, and they are the most vulnerable people in our society. I want to change that for the better, and help those people that are struggling to survive on the basic benefit or wages. VOTE NOW!
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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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