Abbaz Nazari - Escaping the Taliban, Life as a Refugee in Christchurch & The Tampa Affair

When the Taliban were at the height of their power in 2001, Abbas was 7 years old. By the time he arrived in New Zealand as a refugee almost a year later, he was 8.

What happened in between is nothing short of incredible. The fact the Nazari family survived the journey was one thing. But they have done much better than that- they have thrived!

Abbas shares his memories of escaping the Taliban as a little boy with nothing but the clothes on his back, being adrift in the middle of the Indian ocean in an overcrowded rickety wooden boat that was most definitely not sea-worthy, in fact it was literally falling apart.

Then getting rescued by a big shipping boat called the Tampa and becoming part of an international standoff before finding home in NZ as a refuge.

Somehow, against all odds, Abbas who spoke no English when he touched down here went on to get a podium finish in a secondary schools spelling bee, played rugby (and even claims he taught Richie Mo’unga how to kick). He also got a degree, was awarded a scholarship in Washington DC and now runs his own business.

That’s not all. He’s also an in demand public speaker, and he has written a great book called “After The Tampa.” Which covers his life story in much greater detail than a long form podcast can do. If you love this chat and you’re keen for more, google that.

****

This episode is bought to you by Generate – award-winning KiwiSaver specialists.

Myself and pretty much everyone I know has the exact same KiwiSaver experience. We signed up through work into whatever fund was on offer and gave it little or no thought after that.

Now that’s fine- it’s better than nothing! But taking the time to make sure you’re in the right fund, and ensuring you’re maximizing your account, could really improve your lifestyle in retirement. And that’s where Generate can help.

Generate have a team of KiwiSaver advisers across the country available to meet with you, chat through your options, and help you make sure your KiwiSaver investment is working for you.

If you’ve never got KiwiSaver advice before, you should connect with one of their advisors. No pressure, no strings attached. Head to

generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom/

A copy of their product disclosure statement is available on their website. The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited and of course past performance does not guarantee future returns.