From Taliban Takeover to Kiwi Changemaker

Arezo Nazari was just 15 years old, living in Kabul, when the Taliban took over the city. Her family was away, and she was home alone when chaos broke out. With no government to protect her, she feared what the Taliban might do if they found her. She was Hazara, a minority group. She was a Shia Muslim. And she was a girl. Terrified for her life, she ran to the airport, joining thousands desperate to escape.

Arezo found a family heading to New Zealand and managed to get on a plane with them. But when they arrived, the family could not take her with them to Hamilton, leaving her completely alone. Arezo had always imagined growing up surrounded by her loving family in Afghanistan. She never thought she would be starting over in a new country under the care of Oranga Tamariki. It was a confusing and isolating time, made even harder by lockdowns and the uncertainty of COVID. When she turned 16, she moved in with a foster family.

Things changed when she was introduced to our partner charity Mixit. For the first time since arriving, she felt free from fear and anxiety. She met other young people from similar backgrounds, made friends, and was surrounded by people who supported her without judgment. Through Mixit, she gained confidence and started building the skills to settle into her new community and move forward.

Over time, Arezo was invited to become a Mixit Youth Leader. This gave her opportunities to take on responsibilities, commit to new challenges, manage her time, and support others. She embraced the role, helping young people struggling to adjust to life as new Kiwis. She saw an opportunity to grow, one that not everyone had, and quickly gained skills that set her up for success. “I’m now organised, I show leadership, and I’m no longer the quiet one in a group. I can share my opinions and ideas without anxiety.”

Through her journey from Afghanistan to New Zealand, Arezo met three inspiring human rights lawyers in Kabul, Dubai, and here. They helped her when she had no power. “They were my saviours.” Their impact sparked a deep determination in her. She is now studying Law and Commerce, with a mission to help others who have no voice. Thanks to Mixit, she has been connected with lawyer Andrew Nicoll, who is supporting her as she prepares for a future in the legal world.

For Arezo, Mixit is not just a programme. It is her family and home in New Zealand. It is a place where she is valued, where she can give back, and where she can help other young people find the strength to move forward, just as she has. Her Afghan family has since found refuge in Europe, and she hopes that one day they will be together again.

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Words and images supplied by Mixit.