In February we hosted a special launch event for international migration magazine NANSEN‘s latest issue, focused on Muslim migrants in Aotearoa and what “home” means to them. We were joined by journalist Muzhgan Samarqandi and editor Ronia Ibrahim, along with publisher and editor Vanessa Ellingham, who discussed their heartfelt stories shared in the magazine.
If you weren’t able to join us at Te Puna Waiora Newtown Library, please enjoy this video recording of this wonderful discussion. We’d like to extend our appreciation and thanks to Muzhgan, Ronia and Vanessa for joining us for this fabulous event!
You can reserve a copy of Issue 03 of NANSEN Magazine in our catalogue:
Muzhgan Samarqandi: The Reed Flute’s Friend
“NANSEN Magazine aims to connect and celebrate migrants of all kinds. We do this by getting to know one migrant per issue, homing in on the minutiae of lives lived away from ‘home’ – moments that all migrants can relate to. Issue 03 focuses on New Zealand. In this issue we eat Qabuli Pulao from Muzhgan Samarqandi’s upcoming cookbook, meet Bangladeshi-born hip-hop artist ABRZY, explore an Indigenous approach to immigration policy and offer our suggestions for building the migrant utopia we all want, plus much more!”
(Adapted from NANSEN website)
About the speakers:
Muzhgan Samarqandi is a former broadcaster from Baghlan, northern Afghanistan. She now lives in Wellington with her Kiwi husband, son and baby daughter, working as a cross-culutral advisor and interpreter. She is Afghanistani by nationality, Tajik by ethnicity and Persian by native-tongue.
Ronia Ibrahim is a writer, artist and designer. Her work focuses on sharing stories of migrant experiences and transformation. She recently completed her studies in Communication Design, English Literature and Creative Writing at Victoria University of Wellington. Originally hailing from Wellington, she now resides in Melbourne, Australia.
Vanessa Ellingham (host) is the publisher and editor of NANSEN Magazine. She writes on migration, community and belonging. Born in Aotearoa New Zealand, her iwi affiliations are Te Ātiawa, Taranaki and Ngāruahine. She lives and works in Berlin.
