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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.
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
Police in Pātea, Taranaki are working to resolve an incident that took place in Hadfield Street earlier today.
Officers were called to the property around 3:50am to a report of someone being unlawfully at an address.
It’s not believed anyone is injured, however, members of the Armed … View morePolice in Pātea, Taranaki are working to resolve an incident that took place in Hadfield Street earlier today.
Officers were called to the property around 3:50am to a report of someone being unlawfully at an address.
It’s not believed anyone is injured, however, members of the Armed Offenders Squad are assisting local staff in the area working to safely resolve the incident.
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.
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.
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share… View moreDrivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
Ryman Healthcare has won the Canstar Blue 2024 award for Most Satisfied Customers in Retirement Villages in what is a first for the company.
The award recognises retirement living communities with the highest customer satisfaction. Ryman topped the rankings, achieving a perfect five-star … View moreRyman Healthcare has won the Canstar Blue 2024 award for Most Satisfied Customers in Retirement Villages in what is a first for the company.
The award recognises retirement living communities with the highest customer satisfaction. Ryman topped the rankings, achieving a perfect five-star rating across all categories: Overall Satisfaction, Accommodation, Atmosphere, Facilities, Location, and Value for Money.
Click read more for the full story.
Don't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Cooks Beach, Coromandel.
Valued at over $1.2 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to … View moreDon't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Cooks Beach, Coromandel.
Valued at over $1.2 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Longer days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
Make the most of your Sundays with a subscription to the Sunday Star-Times. From just $51, enjoy gripping investigations, in-depth analysis, and exclusive subscriber rewards. Plus, for September only, receive a free Antipodes Supernatural … View moreLonger days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
Make the most of your Sundays with a subscription to the Sunday Star-Times. From just $51, enjoy gripping investigations, in-depth analysis, and exclusive subscriber rewards. Plus, for September only, receive a free Antipodes Supernatural SPF50+ Ceramide Silk Facial Sunscreen worth over $60.
Don't miss out on this unbeatable offer—subscribe today! *Print T&Cs apply.
On Saturday, 28th of September we'll be holding an online garage sale and you are invited - both to score some bargains and to sell your wares!
The sun is starting to shine and perhaps you're ready to part with your winter goods, get involved by listing your goods ahead of … View moreOn Saturday, 28th of September we'll be holding an online garage sale and you are invited - both to score some bargains and to sell your wares!
The sun is starting to shine and perhaps you're ready to part with your winter goods, get involved by listing your goods ahead of Saturday's event. And come back on Saturday to find new treasures.
List your items now. Head to Market.
It’s all about idea’s, inspiration and exclusive show specials at the inaugural South Canterbury Home and Garden Show on from the 27 - 29 September at Southern Trust Events Centre. Join the fun with our 2 for 1 Adult Ticket Offer.
There are so many fabulous reasons to visit the show with a … View moreIt’s all about idea’s, inspiration and exclusive show specials at the inaugural South Canterbury Home and Garden Show on from the 27 - 29 September at Southern Trust Events Centre. Join the fun with our 2 for 1 Adult Ticket Offer.
There are so many fabulous reasons to visit the show with a huge range of Home and Garden Exhibitors, featuring everything from Builders, Renovators, Homewares, Flooring, Heating and Cooling, Landscaping, Outdoor Products, Furnishings, Plants, Artisan Goods, Lifestyle Products and more! Check out the free daily ‘Ask an Expert’ sessions and bring along your plans, questions and ideas! Take a break from the shopping and enjoy great food, coffee! Grab your discounted 2 for 1 ticket offer today.
Save the date in your diaries and connect with local businesses from the 27 - 29 September at the South Canterbury Home & Garden Show
Fri & Sat 10 – 5, Sun 10 – 4
Southern Trust Events Centre, Timaru
Adults $5
Gold Card Friday $2.50
Under 16 free
Keep your houseplants on trend with colourful pots and timber frames finished in Resene Colorwood Natural. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
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