Who's setting off fireworks tonight?! ๐๐ฅ
Fireworks are a ton of fun but carry real risks that need to be taken seriously. If you plan on lighting some here's some tips to keep everyone in your community safe and happy.
โ 1. Never light fireworks in dry or windy conditions.
๐ฅ 2. Only use fireworks in wide open areas, away from flammable items such as trees, grasses, gas tanks, and wood.
๐ฆ 3. Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
๐ง 4. Children should never light fireworks themselves and need to be supervised closely at all times.
๐งฐ 5. Keep all unlit fireworks in a secure bag or container away from any source of fire until they are ready to be used.
๐ 6. Be considerate and let neighbours know if you're planning to set off fireworks. Aim to finish at a reasonable time.
๐ฑ 7. Keep pets comfortable and secure inside. The loud booms and flashing lights can easily scare them off.
๐ฎ 8. Avoid lighting off fireworks around farm animals and be aware of any newborns or elderly neighbours who may also be affected. If possible, change locations to somewhere that minimises any disturbances.
๐ฟ 9. Be a tidy Kiwi and let's work together to keep New Zealand beautiful! Clean up any any rubbish and leave your spot better than you found it.
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Hero
โI 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 couldnโt be myself there. Even though my family didnโt 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 couldnโt 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. Itโs better when itโs 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, Iโve 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.โ
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
DIY cornhole set
Cornhole is the perfect game for summer entertaining and the matching scoreboard helps you see whoโs 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.