Kohna Zari Ko is a mending and upcycling project led by the Migrant Women’s Group, based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The project aims to develop member’s skills, connect with the community and provide a valuable service.

Kohna Zari Ko means to turn old things into gold.

The Migrant Women’s Group, led by Dr Fahima Saeid and the New Settlers Family and Community Trust (NFACT), has been creating opportunities to empower migrant and refugee women through activities incorporating traditional sewing and craft practices from the group’s home countries.

Craft has the ability to cross language barriers and connect makers to cultural traditions that can be lost through migration.  For many from the Migrant Women’s Group, their introduction to Aotearoa New Zealand was as a refugee. The group’s activities open opportunities for friendship, education and connection with others.  Projects are not just limited to textile crafts – through working together, the group’s activities offer cross generational learning and community support.

Dr Fahima Saied

Dr Fahima Saied is a passionate refugee advocate with more than 19 years of work experience in the field. She holds a MBBS Degree from Afghanistan and a Masters Degree in Counselling (1st Class Honours) from The University of Auckland and is a registered counsellor with NZAC. Her hobbies are sewing, cooking and reading Afghan/Dari literature and poetry.

How did you come to be in New Zealand?

I came as a refugee 20 years ago.  My family left Afghanistan because our safety was at risk.  We fled to Pakistan and stayed there for one year.  My husband came to New Zealand first as we couldn’t come all together and I joined him with my three children soon after.

What draws you to making with fabric?

The Afghanistan landscape is very mountainous and it has a very dry climate. In our traditional dress we use very colourful and luxurious fabrics to stand out against this scenery. We like to incorporate bright vivid colours and lots of velvet and silk. We have intricate embroidery with gold and deep red, vibrant green and rich blue. These elements are beautiful to work with and sit nicely against the muted colours of the environment.

We spend a lot of time creating clothes for special occasions – weddings, New Year celebrations and our Independence Day. We like to create something that is worth the effort and will stay with you for generations. 

What have you made recently that you are proud of?

I made a quilt a few years ago that continues to bring me joy.  It was on display at Mangere Arts Centre when we had a group exhibition in 2019 and it incorporated quilting techniques from both Afghanistan and New Zealand.

I love completing embroidery projects, like my ‘Girl Power’ piece. I can express my feelings in a softer way through embroidery.

Latifa Taheri

Latifa Taheri is a tailor who completed her high school education in Iran.

She holds a tailoring certificate and has more than 17 years of experience. She loves helping people through her sewing and currently is working as a volunteer, teaching sewing to a number of Afghan women in Pakuranga. She also loves to spend time with her children.

How did you come to be in New Zealand?

I came to New Zealand from Iran in 2019.

Why do you like making with fabric?

I learned to sew at a school in Tehran and this is where I completed a degree.  I have always loved creating and working with material and fabric.  Sewing gives me the opportunity to be independent and empower myself to stand on my own two feet.  In Iran, I sewed all kinds of customers’ clothes and their satisfaction and happiness always made me proud.  I’m looking forward to doing this for new customers through Kohna Zari Ko.

FATIMA

Fatima came to New Zealand in 2004 with her family and has loved living here. She has a passion for embroidery and enjoys the small details within embroidery projects.

 

Who taught you to sew?

My mum taught me how to sew at a young age and since then I haven’t stopped sewing. I love making different things for people. 

What have you made that you are proud of?

I’ve made a few embroidery pieces for my family and friends like tablecloths and cushion covers. I also love to work on Afghani traditional costumes and have completed some that I’m very proud of. Right now, I am making a cushion cover for one of our friends from the sewing class, it’s not completed yet but I’m hoping to finish it soon.

SHAFIQA

Shafiqa came to New Zealand as a refugee about seven years ago from Pakistan.  She was able to learn sewing here, attending a local sewing and design academy for six months.

 

She loves to make clothes with new and recycled materials and recently made a wedding dress that she is very proud of.