“I am an Iraqi boy. I am Iraqi to the bone. But this vessel of flesh and bone has been marinating in Kiwiana for the last 16 years and it has penetrated through to my heart and soul.
I couldn’t think of a better place to grow up in. I am proud to be from Iraq and just as proud to say I’m from Papatoetoe, New Zealand.
This country has taught me how to deal with anything in life and suck it up, like a true Kiwi.
This country has blessed me with a love and passion for helping people and allowing me to sacrifice my own time to help those who need it.
This country has taught me how to love nature and treat it with respect; it’s beautiful, lush and has yet to be tainted with the deadly, grey hand of pollution.
This country is as close as it gets to perfection and the people in it are a reflection of its greatness.
Aroha ana ahau ki Aotearoa.”
