Bonding in New Zealand

"The Zarathustrian Association of New Zealand (ZANZ) plays a very significant part in the lives of the local Zarathushtrian community of Auckland and its popularity can be judged by the large crowd turnout and easy camaraderie among its members,” notes a write-up by ZANZ president Rashna D. Tata, giving details of their different activities. "It is a matter of great pride and joy that at an age when most young people resist going to events where their parents are present as well, here in Auckland all ZANZ events have a huge youth presence and they thoroughly enjoy being a part of all community events,” she writes. In addition to one social function organized by ZANZ every month the fortnightly prayer class attended by over 40 kids is also very popular.

Sixty Zoroastrian youth from 14 to 30 years of age came together for Saints N Sinners, the Valentine’s Day Ball in February organized by the youngsters with support from the managing committee which is presently in its third year of office. The committee includes Tanaz Siganporia, Yasmin Katki, Minoo Arsiwalla, Shernaz Darukhanawalla, Riaz Dadabhoy, Merzin Ghadiali and Parizad Dantra, besides Tata.

Children of ZANZ prayer class perform on Khordadsal

The Navroz jashan was attended by over 130 people in spite of it being a working day. For those anxious to get their annual dose of natak nostalgia, a special Fund Raising Nite was organized on April 22 at the Bucklands Beach Hall when the Gujarati natak Chalo Jeher Paiyee, directed by Shahanaaz Patel, was performed after which a four-course lagan nu bhonu (wedding feast) was served. A special souvenir was brought out that evening and a sponsorship deal with Vision Asia (the providers of Zee, Star Plus and Sony TV in New Zealand) helped the Association make a handsome profit which will be put to use for future community events. As notes the report by Tata, a self-confessed natak buff, "The cast comprised of local ZANZ members, a very talented lot, who had spent many evenings over the previous two months rehearsing in their garages, emoting dramatic Gujarati dialogs loudly till late at night, much to the consternation of their Kiwi neighbors.”

Zoroastrian Sports Day, elocution and talent competitions were the other attractions planned by ZANZ. The annual telephone directory of all Zoroastrians in New Zealand as also their annual newsletter, The ZANZ Gazette are popular among their members.

With a membership of 141 families, most of them being first generation immigrants from India, Pakistan, South East Asia and the Middle East, the Association is "the lifeline that bonds us to each other and allows us to hold on to our Parsipanu. It provides an opportunity for our children, some of whom are born here, to experience a Zoroastrian way of life,” sums up Tata.