Stories

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 lockdowns. Meet Paul Kumbuka, a community support worker, an advocate, a forme refugee, a Kiwi and a COVID-19 essential worker.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 lockdowns. Meet Najmo, a caregiver, a compassionate supporter, a former refugee, a Kiwi and a COVID-19 essential worker.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 lockdowns. Meet Aziz Al Sa’afin, broadcaster, a storyteller, a former refugee, a Kiwi and a COVID-19 essential worker.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and 4 lockdown. Meet Maria, a former refugee, a housekeeper, a mother and a COVID-19 essential worker.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 Alert Level 4 Lockdown. Meet Masood Chakari: a former refugee, a cricket player, a Case Manager for Work and Income, and COVID-19 essential worker.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 Alert Level 4 Lockdown. Meet Nedal Ebrahim; a former refugee, a supermarket assistant, a passionate cook and a COVID-19 essential worker.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 Alert Level 4 Lockdown. Meet husband and wife Lin and Lian, former refugees from Myanmar, Kiwis, parents and essential workers.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 Alert Level 4 Lockdown. Meet Sabira Nouri: a former refugee, nurse, avid traveller, cancer survivor and COVID-19 essential worker, Sabira has been defying the odds her whole life.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 Alert Level 4 Lockdown. Meet Rose Pradhan; a former refugee, a truck driver for TNL, a mother of two and a COVID-19 essential worker.

Mitchell was only 12 when he fled his home in Vietnam. He was accepted for resettlement to New Zealand where he became an internationally recognised businessman.

Having never set foot in her own country, Radiya Ali is making sure she's an agent of change for Kiwi kids.

From child refugee to award winning baker, Patrick is one of New Zealand's most famous bakers.