Here Now

After decades spent reporting on Israel-Palestine conflict, Tuma Hazou, the former BBC and ABC journalist has lived in Auckland since the late 1990s. This month, Tuma, 85, finally published his stories from his time as a journalist in the Middle East. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. Subscribe to Voices for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Radio Public and iHeart Radio or wherever you l...

In today's episode we meet a young couple whose personal journey with Islam led them to their business idea. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. It was through discovering Islam that Veronika Edali found herself on a journey that eventually led her and husband Volkan to set up their business designing and selling "modest active wear" - a line of swim leggings, tunics, hoodies and of course...

In this episode, we're talking to one of the recipients of this years Ambassador's Commendation Award from Embassy of Japan in New Zealand. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar Akiko Crowther is New Zealand's only Grandmaster in Japanese calligraphy - it's a title bestowed in Japan and earned through years of dedication to this very meditative practice. Subscribe to Voices for free on Apple...

In this episode we meet a Nepali Bhutanese woman who came to Aotearoa as a refugee and decided to get behind the wheel and break all moulds. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar Rose isn't exactly your typical truck-driver - she's small and petite but packs a punch wrangling her Class 4 freight truck. Not quite what she expected to end up doing when she left the refugee camp she lived in for...

In this episode of Voices, combatting challenges of social inclusion through football - we meet a team in Auckland that's switching things up for the win. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. "It's the world's game. It's called the beautiful game because it can bring countries and bring people together." Hone Fowler is a man on a mission - to make football accessible to all a...

The Waikato refugee and Muslim community lost one of its prominent leaders, Ismail Dirye Gamadid, to Covid-19 last month. We look at the legacy of his life. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. The Covid-19 pandemic claimed Waikato's much-loved and prominent refugee leader last month. Ismail Diriye Gamadid passed away in Mogadishu, Somalia on 25 May after a three-week struggle with Covid-19. He...

Melana Khabazi's love affair with dance helped the 26-year-old Russian discover her spiritual home half a world away from where she was born. Melana Khabazi's passion for dance has seen her travel the world and helped her find her place in it - Aotearoa. "I think dance is amazing and an outstanding way of expressing yourself. The plan wasn't to go and stay here, the plan was to stud...

A Filipino photographer's new life in Aotearoa was turned around after he discovered a new way to grow connections with community and land. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar "When I started growing, it was crazy how my neighbours started reacting. I started to make a lot of friends with them. I had passersby saying thank you for growing these sunflowers!" I had 30 sunflowers extending the...

Raising funds to help those in need during Ramadan can be even harder in lockdown. That certainly isn't stopping three people from across the world who call New Zealand home. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar Lockdown and Ramadan make for a very unusual combination. The month of Ramadan is distinctly marked by gatherings - for prayers, the cooking and sharing of meals at the end of a long day of fa...

141 years ago on 14 May, the Leonidas arrived in Fiji - the first ship carrying indentured workers from India. Reflecting back on that day, what significance does that painful history hold for the community navigating challenges of their unique identity as Fiji Indians? Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar 'Girmit Day' is marked on 14 May each year by the Fiji Indian community in New Zealand...

With a string of gigs cancelled and being compelled to stay home during lockdown, how are touring musicians coping? Lockdown Gharana shows that in collaboration lies their coping mechanism. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. Like most musicians and artists across the world, Wellington-based tabla player Chetan Ramlu had a string of gigs cancelled with the onset of lockdown level 4. Not before long...

Newly resettled former refugees who've just begun to find their feet in their new communities across New Zealand are getting by in lockdown with the help of volunteers from Red Cross. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. David Jebanayagam met Naing Minh Aung in February this year for the start of Naing's community orientation activities, but for now their only interaction is a few phone calls ea...

How do you mark and reflect upon a life-changing event while in lockdown? April 6th 1994 - the day when brewing ethnic hatred came to a head in Rwanda and opened the floodgates for a massacre lasting 100 dark days. 4 people whose lives had been impacted by that day, reflect on their experiences while under the Coronavirus lockdown here in New Zealand. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar "On Wedn...

How is the Covid-19 lockdown affecting some vital cultural and social spaces within the communities? For an Auckland woman whose entire life revolves around community - running, organizing and managing such vital spaces, the lockdown is a challenging and uncertain time. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. For a woman whose entire life revolves around serving the community, the Covid-19 lockdown is a...

Sister Irenaeus just recently turned a grand 100 years old. Reflecting on what it means to have seen an entire century's worth of events unfold, she shares the secret of her long innings. Sister Irenaeus Murphy says that turning one-hundred is "just another birthday". As she talks, she has a twinkle in her eye and a kind smile. She is very humble and doesn't like fuss, especially if...

What happens when three women - a Jew, Christian and Muslim, meet on a bus? A deep exchange on feminism and faith ensues to foster understanding of each other's cultures - fueled by copious amounts of laughter, snacks and scarf-wearing tips. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar A year ago it was at an 'iftar', the Muslim evening communal meal, that Petra Zaleski a Vicar, met Naomi Johnson of...

After the mosque attacks in Christchurch on March 15 - a year ago this week - two former refugees from across two generations had their paths intersect. How have their lives changed a year on? Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. Naima Ali was at Polyfest in Auckland when she first heard a lone gunman had attacked two mosques in Christchurch, on March 15 last year. She went to her car and locked the...

In this episode of Voices; the hosts of the podcast series Conversations with my Immigrant Parents turn their mics on their own mums. Produced by Saraid De Silva Cameron and Julie Zhu. Produced for RNZ by Saraid de Silva and Julie Zhu | Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund In this episode Voices, hosts Saraid de Silva and Julie Zhu of the podcast series Conversations With My Immigran...

What use is a language no-one else in New Zealand can speak? Ena Manuireva has the answer and is on a Mangareva mission that looks close to impossible: He wants to save his native tongue from extinction. He speaks with Kate Orgias. Being the only Mangarevan speaker in Aotearoa, doesn't seem to bother Ena Manuireva. This may be because he's a man with a mission - to keep his language, and...

The 21st-century dating scene is a fast-paced environment that's equally as flaky as it is fun. Apps like Tinder and Bumble have been a game-changer for anyone looking for love - but does technology help or hinder people when it comes to intercultural dating? Sonia Yee investigates. The 21st-century dating scene is a fast-paced environment that's equally as flaky as it is fun. Apps like Tinde...

Paris Baker only wanted to go to the mall. But her father's illness changed not only his life, but hers as well. Now the 21 year-old Tongan-New Zealander is a world bowls champion Paris Baker's love of bowls came from an act of love. At first, 15 year-old Paris hitched a ride to the bowling club with her dad, Dave Makasini, just because the bowling club was near a mall. When Dave had a stroke...

Jack and Carrie Lum are celebrating 50 years of love, family and hard work among the fruit and vege cartons, but their livelihood is under threat from big business From humble beginnings, grower-turned-green grocer Jack Lum has spent half a century cultivating a thriving business through hard work and quality produce. Jack Lum turns 77 this year and his business - Jack Lum Fruit and Vegetables in...

In this episode of Voices; we meet an elderly couple who say outdated immigration rules are unfair and need an overhaul. Produced by Sara Vui-Talitu. Ron Falconer's story is so unlikely, immigration officials didn't take it seriously at first. Now, Ron's honesty is standing between him and a life in New Zealand. Subscribe to Voices for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Radi...

In this episode of Voices; we find out how one driving school is making a real difference to the lives of refugee learners. Produced by Sara Vui-Talitu. A driving school in Auckland offering subsidies on lessons for refugees is appealing to the public for help. Due to growing demand, the Migrant Action Trust manager, Amie Maga, said they need more donations and volunteer staff and driving mentors...