Refugee to train with Phoenix Academy after fleeing Taliban
A young refugee will train among New Zealand’s best up-and-coming footballers just months after fleeing war-torn Afghanistan.
Fahima Yousofi’s tutors from the English Teaching College in Lower Hutt put in a call to the Wellington Phoenix after she revealed her talent at a school picnic. From February, Yousofi will begin training with the club’s academy team.
Yousofi, who played football in Afghanistan to a high level, is pleased she will be playing football again. She arrived in New Zealand in September – around the time the air force was making mercy flights to and from the Afghan capital – with her family. Members of her extended family had already settled in New Zealand.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.5% Yes
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22.7% No
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Age Concern Christmas Social Hubs for the Hutt Valley
Meri Kirihimete - Merry Christmas
Come and join our fun Christmas Hubs:
Upper Hutt - Te Kupenga o Rongomai - Maidstone Sports Centre, Wednesday 11th Dec at 12pm featuring the Hutt Ukulele Orchestra.
Lower Hutt - Walter Nash Centre, Thursday 12 December 1:30pm
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.