This month’s cover stars are Hoshiar Palani and his wife, Arezo Khosrawi, who are part of a group of about 250 Kurdish refugees who came to New Zealand from Jordan in 2005.
Hosh learned barbering from his brother in their family shop in Sandringham, whilst Arezo is a fully trained hairdresser who learned her trade at Cut Above in the city. She has been offered jobs at several salons, but prefers to work with Hosh. She wants Ponsonby News readers to know that she is fully trained and takes walk-ins as well as booked clients.
They are grateful for their safety and freedom in New Zealand, but admit that lockdown was not easy. They had just bought a house in January, and were determined to keep their staff, full timer William, and two part-timers. They were grateful for the government wage subsidy, and through their frugality they have retained William and kept their house. “I was just painting the fence yesterday,” grins Arezo. “A vegie garden is next.”
Hosh and Arezo have fitted seamlessly into New Zealand, and are a decided asset to our country. They believe in hard work, they hate racism worldwide, and they are so relieved to be away from the volatile Middle East. Their relatives are now scattered all over the world.
Reasonable prices, friendly service, very little waiting, and the opportunity to meet a lovely new New Zealand couple. What else could you want? And right here in Grey Lynn. (JOHN ELLIOTT)
DEUS HAIR & BARBER SHOP, 505 Great North Road, T: 09 360 0005, www.facebook.com/DeusBarberShop