Philipenes

FAITH. FAMILY. PALMY.
WE RISE - CREATING IMPACT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!

From the Philipenes to Aotearoa, we rebuilt our lives with courage, faith and purpose. With my amazing husband & wonderful kids by my side, I carry our roots proudly - and every step we take, honour the journey that made us.

THANKFUL TO GOD, MY FAMILY, & MY COMMUNITY! KIA KAHA!

Nigeria

I am Ayiya Bakimi Bitrus, and looking at this picture is looking at a story shaped by grace, courage and perseverance. My journey began in 2015, when I stepped away from the warmth of home in Nigeria and travelled across the world to Aotearoa to pursue a PhD in Chemistry. This was indeed a journey filled with uncertainty, sacrifice and hope but fulfilling. What began as a dream soon transformed into a new life.

Aotearoa embraced me, challenged me and transformed me. After completing my Doctorate, I moved into academia and eventually found my place in the beautiful Manawatū. Through every season, I have been strengthened by the love of my Wife, the joy of my Children, and the kindness of the incredible people I’ve met along my Waka.

My story is a testament of God’s faithfulness and enduring love. “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11. This promise has guided my steps and carries my spirit.

Canada

I came to New Zealand from Canada because I couldn’t decide between travelling and more study. All the outdoor activities appealed to me and it seemed like it would be a fun place to live. My Master’s supervisor told me it would be career death to do a PhD in New Zealand… He was correct but it is fun. I’ve been here for 18 years now and have a Kiwi partner and two children. I’m involved in lots of sports and have great workmates at UCOL.

India

Nanak says
Let's be kind, gentle, humble
and courteous in our dealings with others.
In doing so we will receive love kindness
and success by gods grace.

China

I always remember the first time when I walked out of Auckland airport,I was greeted by a smell of freshly cut grass mixed with the scent of some unknown flowers. The smell lingered with me.

20 years on, I have met many interesting people, some became my friends, one became my soulmate and we got two very cute kids. I am not born here, but it’s home now.

India

Happiness. Hope. Courage. Faith. Trust. Love. Joy. Peace. Gratitude. Aspiration. Calmness. Self-confidence. Smile. Inspiration. Beauty. Connection. Acceptance. Growth. Balance. Freedom.

Fear. Loniliness. Confusion. Uncertainty. Separation. Anxiety/worry. Insecurity/low confidence. Failure. Obstacles. Distance/being far away. Pain/sadness. Unfamiliar situation. Change (unsettling). Losing familiarity. Fear of losing identity.

I came to this country with mixed feelings and emotions.
Though I miss my parents and family back home, I fell in love with this place and made it my home - a home far away from home.

England

My accent is CHANGING, but I don’t FEEL like a KIWI. I live here & my LIFE is here. But part of my HEART is ALWAYS back home. When I go to visit “HOME”, I feel like a STRANGER. When I return to NZ, I feel the comfort of being “HOME”. I don’t know if I will ever FEEL like a KIWI, and my HEART may always be in two places;
BUT WHAT A PRIVILEDGE THAT IS.

USA

I am a guest an have been embraced and welcomed.
My connections are family, the land, and the rivers of the Ruahine.

Vietnam

I carry Viet soul on my way,
In Kiwi land, I share my ray.
Each step I take, a culture’s trace,
Small, yet bright a distant place.

England

Accidental Immigrant

I became a migrant to this countryby mistake. I moved here for a one year contrant and, quite simply, I never left.
Now some thirty years on, while England will always be my homeland, Aotearoa has become my home.

Nigeria

Hi, my name is Folusho Adeyinka, although my friends call me Doris.

My story began on Friday, 26th of January 2007, when I came with my family from Nigeria to Palmerston North for my PhD at Massey University. I was met by my supervisor (Prof Richard Laver) with a van as we had about 10 big suitcases. He welcomed us with his family and the first place we visited was the Victoria Esplanade. On Sunday we looked for a church to worship and still worship at Emmanuel Congregational Church till date.

Settling 4 kids with schools was challenging, but blessed with teachers, parents and wonderful Kiwi family friends. Palmerston North became ‘home’ and was involved in community activities and now welcoming new families from Nigeria. Ese (thank you).

Australia

I’m not sure I’d consider myself a migrant. I don’t see myself as much different to every other pakeha here. Hopefully I don’t sound too Australian, but every now and then a word comes out that unmasks me. I often get asked ‘what brought you here?’ (the answer is the love of a great woman!) Or people will say ‘nice to see someone coming back the other way!’ I don’t especially identify as Australian or Kiwi despite citizenship of both. I feel like a visitor in Melbourne. Flying into Wellington is the comfort of coming home. I really am missing discussing the weekend Aussie rules results. I’d kill for a Melbourne souvlaki or a steemed dimmie from the fish + chips shop. Oh, and family, I really feel the distance. I don’t know how others from far off countries, or regions/situations that are impossible to return to cope. I can’t see myself living in Australia again, its NZ for me (or Japan!)

Scotland

After Brexit I found myself a stranger among old friends whose easy laughter soured into bitter talk of borders and ‘patriotism’. Their casual racism, once hidden, spilled into the open, and the common ground I had known was replaced by a chill I couldn’t ignore.

I chose to leave them behind, seeing in New Zealand not just a new life, but a place where openness, and fairness might still guide the way people treated one another.

Indonesia

From the land that raised me
to the new land that calls my heart,
I walk forward in faith
trusting the God who holds my hand,
guiding every step, opening paths I have not yet seen.

Indonesia, where every dream began
New Zealand, where those dreams grow again
with God who brings them into reality

India

That which we are
we are, made weak by time and faith.
Lets have confidence in fellow humans
to make a difference in other peoples lifes.

South Africa

BETWIXT AND BETWEEN

Neither here nor there.
Both here and there.

Neither this nor that.
Both this and that.