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
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Poll: Would you rather: Christmas in summer forever or winter forever?
Just a bit of a fun poll to get you thinking.
If you had to live out your Christmas days, would you prefer it was a summer Christmas or a winter Christmas?
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61.7% Summer
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36.6% Winter
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1.7% Other - I'll share below
Wooden planks
Does anyone have wooden planks they no longer need? 15-20+ cm wide, 4cm thick and 2-4+ m long would be ideal but any dimensions will suit. Treated or untreated. Happy to pay, swap or barter. Will collect.
Thanks
Raspberries Made Easy – Become a Home Raspberry Grower! 🌿 (Get several plants for $30)
Discover how simple it is to grow your own raspberries, even if you're new to gardening!
Pick up my free ‘How To Grow Raspberries’ guide with your purchase.
Why grow raspberries?
- Prolific fruiters: By following a few simple steps, raspberries will give you a big yield each season.
- Perfect for freezing: Stock up on raspberries for winter—no other fruit freezes as well.
- Effortless growing: They’re surprisingly low-maintenance when you follow a few simple steps (my free guide covers it all).
- Garden-friendly: Wondering if they’ll take over? They won’t! Just follow my free guide.
This sale includes a variety of plant bundles: Choose the best $30 deal for you.
- Get 2x $15 plants (plus 1 small bonus plant)
- Get 1x $20 and 1x $10 plant (plus 1 small bonus plant)
- Get 3x $10 plants (plus 1 small bonus plant)
- Get 7x $5 plants
- Or get a different combination.
Spend more and get a better deal.
All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce fantastic raspberries.
All plants are grown in top-quality soil.
Pick up in Rangiora.
With a $60 purchase, I’ll deliver within a 30-minute drive of Rangiora (extra $10).
Get in touch, grab your plants, and the free guide and start your berry-growing journey!
PS I also have thornless blackberries and some pumpkin plants
NOTE-1:
I grow raspberries as well as strawberries, blueberries, thornless blackberries, apples, stone fruit, citrus, tomatoes and more. Raspberries are the easiest by far.
NOTE-2: We will need to exchange mobile numbers before pickup.
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