#KiwiLegends

All across Aotearoa there are thousands of former refugees doing amazing things in their communities. These are just a few of those incredible stories.

While most Kiwis stayed home during Alert Level 3 and 4 to stop the spread of COVID-19 essential people were allowed to carry on their front-facing work to ensure the country continued to run. These people included former refugees – they are Essential Kiwi Legends.

Paul Kumbuka

Paul Kumbuka

From the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Aotearoa, Paul Kumbuka has spent his life supporting people in need and advocating for human rights. Despite being forced to flee his home country and live as a refugee for years, he has always remained focused on his community – wherever it may be.
Najmo Mohamed

Najmo Mohamed

As a caregiver and essential worker, Najmo Mohamed has played a key role in helping people navigate change and uncertainty. At only twenty, the former refugee’s first-ever job became one of the most highly valued during the pandemic.
Maria's bright smile while working for Enliven residential aged cared home as a house keeper.

Maria Jojoa

A warm smile and friendly face are two pillars of human interaction that can be understood regardless of language, culture, or background. Maria Jojoa utilises these two tools every day, and the world is all the better for it.
Aziz Al-Sa'afin

Aziz Al Sa’afin

From escaping war in Kuwait to being a role model for Kiwis of all shapes and sizes, Aziz Al Sa’afin is no ordinary television broadcaster. His unique story has shaped the journalist he is today – a role that became essential during Auckland’s various COVID-19 lockdowns.
Sabira Nouri Essential Kiwi Legend

Sabira Nouri

Sabira Nouri exemplifies fierce determination to never give up. A former refugee, nurse, avid traveller, cancer survivor and COVID-19 essential worker, Sabira has been defying the odds her whole life.
Lin Essential Kiwi Legends

Lin Lian Pau Thuam Cin

Husband and wife Lin and Lian are former refugees from Myanmar, Kiwis, parents and essential workers. This is their story of wanting to help a nation in need, after having been helped themselves.
Essential Kiwi Legends Masood Chakari

Masood Chakari

The journey fleeing home in search of safety and settling in Christchurch has led former refugee Masood Chakari to be an advocate for Kiwis in need.
Essential Kiwi Legends Lian

Lian Huai Thuam Cin

Husband and wife Lin and Lian are former refugees from Myanmar, Kiwis, parents and essential workers. This is their story of wanting to help a nation in need, after having been helped themselves.
Essential Kiwi Legends Nedal Ebrahim

Nedal Ebrahim

Nedal Ebrahim never thought he would be forced to flee his home and start all over again. A former refugee, a supermarket assistant, a passionate cook and a COVID-19 essential worker, Nedal has become an important and valued member of his new community.
Rose 2x1.png

Rose (Bishnu) Pradhan

Growing up in a refugee camp in Nepal to becoming a truck driver in Nelson, Rose (Bishnu) Pradhan is living proof that, with hard work and determination, it’s possible you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

In 2018, we launched our first Kiwi Legends campaign, highlighting contribution former refugees make in New Zealand. Find our more about this amazing people below.

Jorge Sandoval

Jorge Sandoval

Jorge Sandoval is a champion cyclist and world famous cycle promoter, find out why he calls New Zealand home.
Niborom Young

Niborom Young

Niborom was on a student exchange to New Zealand when her life changed forever. She was unable to go home and would never see her family again.
Mitchell Pham.

Mitchell Pham

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.
Kiwi Legends: Radiya Ali

Radiya Ali

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

Patrick Lam

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

Sahra Ahmed

As a young adult, Sahra stepped off a plane in Auckland to claim asylum. Now she's a nurse, international humanitarian aid worker, and mental health advocate.