Message from ZANZ President
It is that time of the year again when life seems to be all fun and games. Few would argue that this is the most celebrated holiday in the world and reasons should not be difficult to find. We celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is effort in some cases to dilute or even change the reason for the season but fact or truth cannot be changed to suit those uncomfortable with it. As you celebrate just remember the birthday Son.

Talking of celebration I was just wondering whether my countrymen would agree that we should celebrate with the rest of the world. One day Nehemia, who was a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes went to work unhappy. And the king noticed that he was unhappy and enquired if everything was alright. Nehemia told the King he was unhappy because the temple in Jerusalem lay in ruins. He asked for leave to go and build it. Leave was granted. My point is that Zimbabweans here and elsewhere might be feeling there is nothing to celebrate with Zimbabwe in political and economic meltdown. But hold on, here is some good news coming from Zimbabwe.

This month Minister Tendai Biti announced that the economy would grow by between 4 and 7%. Remember this is the first growth forecast in a decade. Of course there is opinion that the forecast is too optimistic but there is agreement that the economy will grow.

We also have heard that the IMF will this year provide balance of payment support of around $500 million. Not only is this amount significant but it also signals the restoration of confidence in the management of the economy. 

If the two economic issues above sound like a pie in the sky in that we cannot see how they will change the lives of the man in the street. Then you need to hear this. The shops are fully stocked again and fuel is available. Like any other country the difficulty is in finding money and especially in Zimbabwe where unemployment is above 80%. Zimbabweans in the diaspora will as usual keep families supplied through remittances which are also credited for keeping the economic wheels turning.

On the political scene we have seen an unsettled relationship between MDC and ZANU- PF. But it was a marriage of convenience from the start. We needed to stop the killings, the destruction of the economy and just to give everyone a chance to live peacefully. I believe this has in many ways been achieved. We still have dubious cases pending and in many ways the country is still run by the military and paramilitary groups. But we can’t have it all in one day. Many believe that this year’s ZANU PF Congress is the last one for Mugabe. If that prediction is true shouldn’t we be using the next few months to put together a medium to long term strategy to ensure the country becomes what it is used to be- the jewel of Africa, according to the late Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere.  We welcome the formation of a Board to supervise Gedion Gono. Lets sort out the constitution, the electoral laws and governance of state organs such as the Reserve Bank.

I hope I have managed to convince you to smile this Christmas. If not, then you should seriously consider taking leave in the New Year to go and rebuild the walls of Zimbabwe.  Nehemia did it.

My Board and I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

THANK YOU
The Zimbabwean Association of New Zealand would like thank all the people who donated towards the Dalu Fund. Dalu Mcube was buried in his home town on Friday 12 June 2009. This was made possible by your Kiwi generosity. For that we will always be grateful . May his soul rest in peace.
 
His family and friends cannot thank you enough. We can only ask God to bless and reward you all.
 
Thank you again.
 
Zanz
DALU'S EMORIAL SERVICE - 5 JUN @ 630PM
The Zimbabwe association of New Zealand invites you all to Dalu's Memorial service at Church of Nazarine, 675 Dominion Road, Balmoral. Those who are free lets come and pay our last respects.
DALU'S FUNERAL APPEAL
This is an open appeal to all well wishers for help in Transporting Dalu Mncube's Body to Hwange in Zimbabwe where his parents are based.
 
Although he was reported as South African which legally he is, He was born in Zimbabwe
Dalu moved from Zimbabwe to South Africa like many Zimbabweans and acquired South African Citizenship as he thought he would permanently stay in the country. As a young man still exploring the world he ended up in New Zealand to follow up on his dreams.
 
As a parent's wish Mr and Mrs Mncube (Dalu's Parent) would want their son buried where they are.
It is with this in mind, that we appeal to all for help to at least afford his parents their wish to see their son for the last time.
 
You can deposit any amount towards his funeral into the following Account:
National Bank 06 0101 0776 318 00       Ref:  Dalu Fund
Zimbabwean Association of New Zealand
 
You can also add your name and if you require a receipt please let us know through email or call
Japhat Ncube 0211 574 275 our Contact Person
 
For the stories and also a link to our account visit the following links.
 
http://www.zionwildlifegardens.co.nz/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZIMBABWE
Reports coming out of Harare put the crowd that attended this year’s Independence Celebration at 40000. It is difficult to find one reason that can explain the large crowd. Was it optimism arising from the recently formed government of national unity or sincere hope for the future or mere curiosity to see if indeed the protagonists can sit together in agreement that the nation comes first? Whatever the actual reason we can choose to be less cynical and believe that the little baby steps taken so far are worth celebrating.
Mugabe is quoted as saying "I call on all Zimbabweans to dedicate themselves on this sacred day to national unity and reconciliation. We need to create an environment of tolerance. It also means an end to these instances of violence that have caused untold harm to individuals and communities."

This is probably the first time the octogenarian has acknowledged that harm has been done to individuals and the communities. In the past he would have issued denials and blamed the opposition and western governments. Will this acknowledgement lead to a changed behaviour on his part and that the rest of his followers will heed the message? If that can be achieved then may be last weekend’s jamboree is worth something for the nation. My misgivings are not without basis. Farms are still being invaded; opposition members are still in prisons on what appears to be trumped up charges. Elsewhere I warned against cynicism but we have to match words with actions. The Zimbabwe Association of New Zealand therefore calls on President Robert Mugabe to order the release of political prisoners and to respect the rule of law and order immediate stop to farm invasions.

We also call on the new government to speedily put in place an economic recovery programme. It is such a programme, which the donor community requires in order to fund infrastructure development.
Its time to deal with the following issues without delay: fix the economy, end shortages of essential commodities and deepening poverty, deal with a cholera epidemic that has infected nearly 100000 people and killed more than 4 000.

As Zimbabwe Association in New Zealand we would like to thank the International Donor Community for continuing to stand with our people throughout this year and the years before. Yours has been a sacrifice and we are deeply indebted to you. As we celebrate our 29th year of independence we acknowledge your contribution without which many would not be alive.

To all Zimbabweans across the globe and those within Zimbabwe let’s continue to stand up for our nation. We are entering an uncharted territory of an untested relationship of a new government, entering choppy economic waters worsened by a worldwide recession. Will the international community be willing or able to help us?

Let’s make this year independence mean something. We must take up our sit at the table of nations with full honours and as an equal partner and speak for ourselves and that journey starts with this 29th Independence Celebration. Yes, its time to leave the crowded bench of dictatorships and move towards true democracy and freedom. No matter how crowded the bench is no one will push us off. We must leave and the time is now!

Charles Number sg@zanz2009

Zimbabwean Embassy Officials
The Zimbabwean Embassy Officials will be in Christ Church at a venue to be confirmed between the 11-15 May 2009.

This will be for all Nationals wishing to renew or obtain Passports and any other official documents.

The Embassy has apologised for delays on documents already processed but not yet issued. The situation is now improving and efforts are being made to control the situation.

We suggest to speed up the process get all the necessary documents in Christ Church, sent them to your friends and family in Zim for submission. The waiting time could  be drastically be reduced.

Any further information will be updated as soon at it is made available. Feel free to contact the Embassy direct on the following  contact details:

Tel:    +61 (0)2 6286 2281
Email: zimbabwe1@iimetro.com.au

Prayer for Zimbabwe Update
The running of a country in many ways is considered to be the responsibility of politicians. Politicians are the new ruling class. In fact the only time ordinary citizens have a say in a country’s governance is during elections. Strangely enough when surveys are done politicians are some of the most mistrusted people yet we continue to give them the job of running countries. Christians would not want to be involved lest they be seen to be too concerned about the things of the world.

On Sunday 7th March 2009, the Zimbabweans in New Zealand gathered together with their friends from other nations at the Nazarene Church on 675 Dominion Road and prayed for their country. Six ministers of the gospel from various denominations and nations and other men and women shared the pulpit to lead all who gathered in asking God to restore Zimbabwe.  We had a full auditorium with some standing at the back.

People were called to repent, forgive one another and to remember that they will always be Zimbabweans even though they are now living in New Zealand. It was time not only to pray but to be practically involved in rebuilding the broken walls of Zimbabwe just as Nehemiah did.

Rev Mukata took everyone down memory lane by leading the worshippers in singing the old godly Zimbabwe national anthem which was replaced by a circular one. I had goose bumps and as I looked around I saw tears flowing down a few cheeks! Then I realised that as a country, Zimbabwe had abandoned God and believed in its politicians and the price has been too high.

Two minutes of silence were observed at the start. One for Zimbabwe and the other as a sign of respect following the death of the Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister’s wife in car accident.

It was an evening worth remembering. It should be marked as a turning point in the fortunes of a nation that held so much promise but has nothing to show for it. But God is up to something bigger than us. He told Habakkuk...for I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. Zimbabwe will live again!

The Zimbabwe Association would like to thank all who participated and especially the speakers on the night. Amongst the Executive Team a big thank you to Mr Katiyo who was the foot soldier for the event. Once again Mr Japhet Ncube lived up to the high standard of running such events. Mr Chinamo once again made sure that nothing was left to chance stepping in whenever there was a need. Men can multitask too.
See you at the next event!

God Bless Zimbabwe

SG.Zanz@2009

CONGRATULATIONS PRIME MINISTER JOHN KEY

We would like to congratulate The Hon Mr John Key the National Party leader for being elected New Zealand Prime minister.
Congratulations too to the national party on getting the mandate from the people to form a Government. We do cherish the New Zealand democratic process and only hope it will positively influence other worlds that still live in a world of oppression and dictatorship.
As a community in New Zealand we look forward to working with you at various levels across the country.
We wish your government success and prosperity in these trying times as the journey will not be easy due to the Global financial crises.
Congratulations!
Katiyo T
Zanz President
CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT OBAMA

The Zimbabwean Community in New Zealand would like to congratulate President elect Barack Obama for being elected the 44th President of the United States of America. The American people have democratically made their choice.

We know you have surmountable issues and problems lying ahead but we again know that the same resolve and energy that got you to this day will see you through. We only hope the American people will rally behind their President. “Yes you can”
We might be unknown people from an unknown small country in Africa, with no relation to your country and its current status in the world, believe it or not your victory has rejuvenated our hopes and that we should and shall not and never give up for what is basic to human kind.

Senator McCain you are a hero of your country and a positive influence to the world. You accepted your defeat with honour and integrity. This to us the voiceless in other parts of the world were democracy is only a word is heroism on your part. We can only but wonder what it takes to be you.

Like Mrs Ann Nixon Cooper who waited 106 years to vote for an African President and resolved to solder on until it happened. We are not going anywhere too. We will wait as long as it takes for our own hopes and dreams to be realised. Change can happen.  “Yes we can”.

May God Bless you Pesident Barrack Obama and the American people.

Last but not least God Bless Zimbabwe

Katiyo Titus
President

GOD BLESS ZIMBABWE

Cynics will say “too little too late” but optimists are saying “one small step for politicians, one giant leap for the nation”. Any step towards peace and democratic and economic restoration is to be applauded. Not only does such appreciation help to build confidence and lift the crushed spirits of Zimbabweans it also energises politicians that we are aware of what they are doing and we appreciate every step they take. This will act as a catalyst for them to do more.

There is still a lot of work ahead for everyone. Once peace returns the real work of rebuilding the economy and the infrastructure will start. It is our hope that capable and credible leadership will be appointed to lead the process and the International Community will help by providing finance and logistical support. We are aware that they want to see details of the agreement in order to assess the chances of Zimbabwe’s success before providing any help. This we believe is a genuine concern and the authorities in Zimbabwe should spare no effort not only in providing and explaining to the donor community details of the agreement, but also show commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement.

ZANZ would like to congratulate all those involved in making our leaders see reason to settle their differences for the sake of the country.

It’s early days as we have already said, but let’s celebrate every bit of success! 

GOD BLESS ZIMBABWE

Secretery General

Zimbabwe Association of New Zealand (ZANZ)

 

IMMIGRATION-NZ visitors Visa

 

Fellow Zimbabweans

 

Greetings to you all

 

As you may be aware a number of people have put through visitor visa applications for parents.

 

It seems most if not all applications have been turned down and have taken a long time (in some cases over a year) to be denied.

 

The Zimbabwean Community in Wellington (ZIMDARE)   did meet with Parliamentarians at the beginning of the year and this issue was presented by us.
We have received a letter which indicates that the Minister of Immigration and the head of Immigration Profile Group (IPG) are looking into the issue.

 

ZIMDARE in Conjunction with ZANZ and Zim Pacific have decided to up the ante and urge govt to pressure IPG to reexamine its policy on Zimbabwean applicants.

With this in mind we invite all those who have had applications denied and are interested in revisiting the issues to contact   us.

We are looking at figures that can assist us in putting across a successful appeal. Your responses can look something like this,

 

Mudzekenyedzi –mother & father denied visa   January 08
Took 13months

 

You can add more detail if you wish but the above is sufficient. We will be advising you of progress made.

 

Thank you

 

Farai Mudzekenyedzi             Driden Kunaka                    
faraimudzi@yahoo.com         dkunaka01@yahoo.com       

ZANZ (Zimbabwean Association of New Zealand)
zimbabweanz@yahoo.co.nz

 

Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Zimbabwe
Association of New Zealand will be held soon on dates & venue advised,

The agenda will include:

President's report
Treasurer's report
Election of New Board members.

Please be reminded that only paid up members are eligible for election and/or voting.

Please let us insure we are members to bring meaning to our community

 

Charles Number
ZANZ Secretary General

Zimbabwean Association of New Zealand (ZANZ)

Democracy : Missing Presumed Dead (SPT Video)

A Letter marked “URGENT” to those on the FrontLine

Dear Friends

The sand is quickly leaving the hour-glass for the presidency of Zimbabwe to be decided. The people’s choice does not seem to matter in this contest. It’s the arsenal in Harare, the capital city and commercial hub turned garrison town, which may determine the outcome.  But things are not that simple for the 27 June run-off election.

Apart from the killing fields opened by the Gerontocracy and operated by the militia and like organisations there are other formidable forces at play. Zimbabwe is now a casino economy. You wake up in the morning unsure about everything and survive by gambling. You go out hoping that today will be the day you will land a job, you work in the hope that you will get a wage and the company is a going concern, you go to the shop hoping you will find food to buy and the list goes on. Granted every life is a gamble but the degree of uncertainty in Zimbabwe is close to that in a casino. Everything you achieve in a day is the size of a jackpot. But there is a bigger prize. That prize will come by voting on 27 June 2008. These are going to be the longest and most painful weeks for many yet all must limp, sneak, hike, ride to the nearest ballot box and cast the die which may be the one that hits the jackpot. For the disenfranchised voters around the globe let’s provide moral support and encouragement to the warriors on the battlefields. Above all let us pray for Devine intervention from the Almighty God for this is now beyond any humanly help & control.
It’s not a game anymore because the stakes are too high. Turn the Matebeleland heat to an inferno, the Eastern winds to hurricane force and let the barren lands of Mashonaland bring forth life again.

It is the last chapter therefore let the whole country and the earth shout – not this time and never again! Aluta Continua, The struggle Continues

A Message from The President and Board of the Zimbabwean Association of New Zealand (ZANZ)

God Bless Zimbabwe

ZANZ PRESIDENT’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

On behalf of ZANZ Board and indeed my own behalf I wish to extend my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope as the curtain comes down on 2007 you will take time to reflect on a successful year. I also hope that ZANZ has contributed to some of the joy you experienced during the year.
The highlights for us as a Community have been the successful Couples Dinner, the recent Christmas Carols and the continuation of our Radio broadcasting which many are now tuning into every Friday night. We have also been attending to individual members’ needs. Our linkages with other institutions or groups such as churches, soccer and Aids Foundation have greatly helped in fulfilling the role of ZANZ in the community.
At this point I wish to thank all the groups and individuals we worked with to make a successful year. Thank you to fellow Board members without whose support nothing would have been achieved.
As I conclude may I counsel you to celebrate life by swiping all types of plastic cards at the tills and in music, dance and laughter and however else you wish. As you do so please bear in mind that we have brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers and other relations in Zimbabwe who can only wish on the many things we take for granted. I say this not to put any sense of guilt on your consciences but to sensitise or remind you on some responsibilities, which are easy to forget in the middle of celebrations.

At the risk of imposing my personal beliefs on you may I remind you that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and by that birth we have an opportunity of being reconciled to the Almighty God. It’s a sobering thought and an issue to consider as a New Year resolution! Wishing you all  the best for 2008. God Bless you all.

Titus Katiyo
ZANZ President

Christmas Carols
Overall score out of 10. You be the Judge!
“I was not sure if I should attend. The whole thing sounded a little childish but I have been pleasantly surprised that I am definitely coming back next year”

“Our children are going to find someone to marry among their own because of the networks they are establishing through these events.”

“Professionally done, it’s a standard which these guys may fail to match next year”

“Why was it for free, it was worth more than the events we have been made to pay for in the past by ZANZ”

The above are some of a few comments made about the Christmas Carols held by the Zimbabwean children in New Zealand at the Salvation Army Church on Queen Street on Saturday, 15 December 2007.

In a largely circular country it was probably advisable to keep expectations as low as possible but the turnout defied the belief that somehow we have lost our respect for God and the real meaning of Christmas. I estimate between 30 and 40 children took part that night. A conservative estimate would put the audience at 200+. 
Mr Ncube advises that between $800 and $1000 was collected and that the proceeds will be donated to Charities in Zimbabwe as agreed by the Board.

Just before the show I saw three young girls all about 7 years old and they were looking very sad. I asked them if they were part of the group performing that night and they said they were not. One of the girls’ eyes welled up with tears and I promised her that I would be talking to her mother so that they don’t miss out again. Parents please make sure you don’t disappoint your kids next year!

The whole event was run by the children themselves. They had their own MCs, they sang and read the bible. 

Of course the background work was all done by some parents who teamed up with some ZANZ Board members to ensure the day was a success. Emails have been flying forth and back thanking all who were involved but perhaps I should add Zambezi Services on the list for their donation of $200.00 towards the event. They offer special deliveries of groceries in Zimbabwe. If you want more information on their services please contact them on: www.zambezigroceries.com
Thank you to the ZANZ Treasurer Patrick Chinamo who sourced the funds from the donor community to pay for the event. Thank you to Salvation Army Church Pastor and leadership for the excellent facilities provided for free. Massive thank you to all Zimbabweans and their friends who attended the event. Special thank you is reserved for Pastor Kahwema who blessed the night. I have to say this Pastor has been a true father for the Zimbabwean Community. He has found time to attend most if not all ZANZ organised events and shared some very wise advice on each occasion. He truly serves our community and it is fitting that we say thank you and God bless him and his family.

Charles Number

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Welcome!   Mauya !, Samkele !, Haere Mai

Welcome to the website of the Zimbabwean Association of New Zealand Incorporated.

This Association is a non-profit organisation which aims to represent, promote and protect the welfare, and interests, of Zimbabweans in New Zealand.

It desires to bring members of the Zimbabwean communities together and encourage a sense of togetherness and belonging.
 
The Association intends to promote Zimbabwean cultural values, preserve identity and language (Shona, Ndebele) in children born and brought up away from the mother land.

It intends to work in any way that will continuously improve the lives of its members.

It is intended for the Association to become a focal point in which community-wide issues and concerns are raised or highlighted with a view to seeking solutions at that level.

While solutions to issues are not guaranteed, the Association has had a number of successes in coming up with community-wide solutions for Zimbabweans in New Zealand during the last 18 months.

What more, it is your participation that determines the outcome. If there are problems that you may be facing and chances are that other Zimbabweans are facing similar issues – bring it forward, and the Association will seek a community solution.

The other objectives of the Association include:

• To promote the education of NZ society with regards to Zimbabwe as a country, way of life, people, culture and beliefs.
• To work with other organisations with objectives that are consistent with those of the Association.
• To promote and undertake charitable activities in Zimbabwe, or New Zealand, as may be agreed by members of the community.

Membership is by annual subscriptions of a modest fee.