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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......
Hello. Due to unforeseen circumstances we are looking for a caring person / couple to live in and look after our sons house and also care and give company to his two friendly, medium sized dogs. They are mother, 3 years old, and daughter, 18 months. Should you consider this for part or all of this … View moreHello. Due to unforeseen circumstances we are looking for a caring person / couple to live in and look after our sons house and also care and give company to his two friendly, medium sized dogs. They are mother, 3 years old, and daughter, 18 months. Should you consider this for part or all of this time, please call or text Gerhard 021 950 745 to discuss. The house is in a quite area in Linwood, Christchurch, with a nice, sunny, sheltered back yard in which the dogs can roam all day. Fully furnished, Internet, safe car park down the drive. Cutler Park around the corner and Charlesworth Reserve within easy walking distance, Sumner Beach, which the dogs love, 10 minutes by car. Could supply a small ute for transport, if neccessary/required.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Gerhard 021 950 745
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
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?
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.
Fresh spring flowers $3 per bunch.
Native plants $3 each.
@ THE END OF BUTTS VALLEY ROAD
🌿 HOROTANE VALLEY 🌿
Monthly AEA Web Events
The AEA Web Event is a monthly online meeting where AEA members from all over the world come together to share their experience, strength and hope. Three members speak for 10 minutes each, followed by member sharing.
The Event is always held on morning of the 3rd … View moreMonthly AEA Web Events
The AEA Web Event is a monthly online meeting where AEA members from all over the world come together to share their experience, strength and hope. Three members speak for 10 minutes each, followed by member sharing.
The Event is always held on morning of the 3rd Sunday, except in September and December where it falls on the 4th Sunday of the month.
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