Young Zoroastrians from various parts of the world will get together for their global meet to deliberate on a number of issues that impact on the environment of this planet and the wellness of all living beings.
The Sixth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress will be held at the King’s College Campus in the South Auckland suburb of Otahuhu from December 28, 2015 to January 2, 2016.
The Zoroastrian Youth of New Zealand (ZYNZ), the Youth Wing of the Zoroastrian Association of New Zealand is organising the six-day Congress, highlighting the social and community responsibilities that elevate the meaning and purpose of human existence.
We are fortunate to have a highly motivated team with the objective of providing a memorable religious and social experience to all participants, in addition to examining the issues that confront the human society and its natural environs.
The young delegates will also have an opportunity of embracing New Zealand’s treasured culture, while enhancing the unique traditions of Zoroastrianism.
We hope to strengthen our resolve to create a brighter future with united efforts.
Common theme
New Zealand and Zoroastrianism have an important common theme.
New Zealand is known as a clean and green country and Zoroastrianism is recognised as an environmentally conscious religion with its rituals and injunctions that aim to safeguard nature from polluting influences.
In the light of this commonality, ZYNZ has launched the ‘Green Initiative,’ which would form an integral part of the World Zoroastrian Youth Congress. Our aim is to increase the world’s awareness of New Zealand’s pristine environment along with Zoroastrianism’s customs and demonstrate how a combination of the two will make a difference to the world through the younger members of the society.
CUE Haven
We are currently working with ‘CUE Haven,’ managed by Thomas and Mahrukh Stazyk near the Kaukapakapa township, about an hour to the North of Auckland. The couple have transformed a vast dairy farm into native bush haven.
Auditors by profession, Thomas (an American by birth) and Mahrukh (a Zoroastrian from India) established CUE (Cultivating, Understanding and Environment) with a passion for fostering a lush, green environment, preserving the native plant and animal life.
The 60-acre farm in Araparera, an hour north of the city and overlooking the Kaipara Harbour is to be reconverted into native forest. The restoration plan will be completed over a 15-year period. The undertaking is meticulously planned far into its completion and the Stazyks work painstakingly adhering to the schedule.
The detailed re-vegetation attempts to create a haven among all too common stretches of agricultural land being divided and sub-divided for lifestyle blocks or property development.
An interesting parallel
The parallel between the objectives of the Youth Congress and the cause is drawn in the need for collective effort. To this effect, ZYNZ sees the Congress as an opportunity to stress the necessity to evolve as a faith and a community.
Like the trees being planted, we can only secure perpetuity through adaptability once our roots take to foreign ground.
The Stazyks are admirably dedicated to preserving this land’s legacy just as this Congress is in preserving that of our religion.
All New Zealanders and those living in other countries are encouraged to assist this cause.
For every $10 donation received, ZYNZ will plant a native New Zealand tree at CUE Haven to help offset the carbon footprints of delegates attending, creating a greener future for the wider community.
To donate scan the QR code or Txt ZANZ to 5464 and Comment: GREEN “Your name”. ZYNZ looks forward to receiving any possible support from the local community.
For more information on CUE Haven please visit www.cuehaven.com. All donations will go towards the Sixth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress.
Tinaz Karbhari is the Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Sixth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress, scheduled to be held in Auckland towards the end of 2015. She lives in Auckland. Email: 6thwzyc@gmail.com; Our first article on the World Congress appeared with a group picture of the Organising Committee in our July 15, 2014 issue.
Zoroastrians in New Zealand
Zoroastrianism is an ancient, Pre-Islamic religion of Persia. As one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world, its people, referred to as Zoroastrians, are the followers of Prophet Zarathustra, who propagated a religion based on good thoughts, good words and good deeds.
New Zealand is home to one of the smallest migrant Zoroastrian communities, with many of its people members of the Zarathushtrian Association of New Zealand. It was established in 1996 to (a) preserve the cultural identity of Zoroastrians in the multicultural society of New Zealand (b) preserve and advance the tenets of the Zoroastrian religion amongst the members of the association and the Zoroastrian community in New Zealand and (c) make a cultural contribution to New Zealand’s society.
Rapid growth
Over the years, ZANZ has facilitated the integration of newly arrived Zoroastrians into the Zoroastrian community as well as into New Zealand’s society. The Zoroastrian community has grown rapidly in the past decade and it aims to reach out to the wider community of New Zealand and its leadership, in order to firmly establish the important role and contributions of Zoroastrians in New Zealand.
In the past, the non-profit organisation has organised several successful events, including Navroze (New Year), sports competitions and plays. The youth organise Christmas parties, prayer classes and holiday events.
