Meet
Kohna
Zari Ko
Kohna Zari Ko is a mending and upcycling project led by the Migrant Women’s Group, based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Our group includes members from a number of different countries, all coming together through a love of craft and sewing.
Before the establishment of Kohna Zari Ko, we have been involved in a number of sewing projects, supporting community enterprise making items like tote bags, reusable Christmas crackers and more.
We are regulars at cultural markets and festival events, selling and showcasing our craft and welcoming commissions. We specialise in traditional dresses and love creating items from vintage and recycled fabrics.
“Creating a new item from old materials, incorporating traditional and modern stitchwork and craft. This has become a favourite request of our group, as it is our way to connect you with our home countries and for us all to connect as a community and learn about each other.”
Dr Fahima Saied
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.
