The perfect prescription: how hiring former refugees helped a Nelson pharmacy thrive

When Nelson pharmacy owner, Deirdre ‘Dee’ Magee, faced a challenge, she turned it into her greatest asset – by hiring employees from refugee backgrounds. The decision has created a dedicated and hardworking team whose diverse skills and community connections are helping the business thrive.

For Dee Magee owner of a busy pharmacy in Nelson’s Victory Square, a business challenge in 2013 became an opportunity that transformed her workplace and deepened her connection to the community. As more families from refugee backgrounds settled in the area, Dee recognised a growing communication barrier that could impact patient safety.

"I was concerned that there was a communication issue when I was giving out prescriptions," she explained. Determined to bridge this gap, she reached out to New Zealand Red Cross. That call connected her with the Pathways to Employment service and set in motion a partnership that has enriched her business for over a decade.

The Red Cross team introduced her to Zember, a young woman from a refugee background who they knew had great potential. This first connection was the beginning of a powerful journey. Today, half of Dee’s staff are from former refugee backgrounds, and she said, clearly, "I couldn't do my business or run this business without them."

From a single connection to a team of leaders 

Hiring your first employee from a different cultural background can feel like a step into the unknown, but for Dee, it was a process built on mutual support and patience. She recognised that for Zember, entering an English-speaking workplace was a huge step. "She was very quiet to begin with," Dee recalled.

"So, it was very much one-on-one training and support to get her to come out of her shell and develop her English." 

This support went beyond on-the-job training. When Dee realised Zember needed formal qualifications to progress, she invested in her future. Dee helped her navigate the New Zealand education system, arranging an English tutor, and supporting her through both a pharmacy assistant course and a full pharmacy technician qualification.

This investment in one person created a ripple effect. Zember’s success and confidence grew, and she began recommending others from refugee backgrounds. Soon, her niece Musu joined the team, followed by Boe and Sushma. What started as a solution to a communication problem had blossomed into a dynamic, multicultural team built on trust and connection.

Dee’s experience shows that with the right support, employees from refugee backgrounds are not just filling a role, they are building lasting careers.

A thriving business and a stronger community

The benefits to Dee’s pharmacy have been profound, extending beyond improved communication. Her team’s diverse language skills and deep community connections mean they can serve a large portion of their customer base properly. They are more than just employees. They are trusted navigators for their community.