How the Office for Seniors can help
Hi Neighbours!
Our Office sits within the Ministry for Social Development. Our role is to improve the lives of older people across New Zealand by providing helpful information, promoting the wellbeing and concerns of seniors and increasing awareness of the issues facing our ageing population. We are here to help!
For useful information, opportunities and stories about seniors, sign up to our SuperSeniors Newsletter here: bit.ly...
Read our Better Later Life strategy, which guides our work to help make the future better for New Zealanders as we age: bit.ly...
We have lots of helpful resources on getting an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) on our website: bit.ly...
We are working on making our communities more Age-friendly. Find out about our Community Connects grants here: bit.ly...
Our website also includes important information on Elder Abuse and where to get help: bit.ly...
We know some people don't like Facebook, and that's ok. If you have an account, you can like our page for regular updates, and some fun stuff too! : www.facebook.com...
If you have a question, or would like more information, whether you are over-65, or if you have a close family member or friend who is a senior, you can email us at: osc@msd.govt.nz
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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......
DIY cornhole set
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 instructions.
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