Escaping the Taliban, surviving the sea: Abbas Nazari’s true story

In this episode of the Mental Health Foundation's Moments That Matter podcast series, Abbas shares his extraordinary journey – from fleeing Afghanistan on a fishing boat in the dead of night, to surviving a storm in the Indian Ocean, to finding home and hope in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Abbas’s story isn’t just about survival - it’s about connection, gratitude, and strength. 

Raised in Christchurch after being rescued from the Tampa refugee crisis, Abbas speaks about what it felt like to start again in a country of strangers who quickly became whānau. He talks about the people who embraced his family, the power of community, and how being called a refugee is now a source of pride. 

“The word refugee gives me incredible strength. It gives me pride and confidence in who I am.” – Abbas Nazari 

Abbas reminds us that gratitude can transform fear into strength – and that connection can heal even the deepest wounds.