Matamata a safe place for family
Miriam Cohen-Krajden has been profiling people who call Matamata home. Here is the latest.
Name: Ahmed Budair Age: 37 Birthplace: Jordan Languages spoken: Arabic, English Current occupation: Poultry Farm Manager (‘‘Egg Expert’’) What was your occupation prior to coming to New Zealand? Same as above. How long have you been in NZ? Six years. I arrived September 15, 2007. What brought you to New Zealand? I was offered work here in New Zealand ... More specifically, what brought you to Mata- mata? The job was in Matamata. What’s your favourite thing about Matamata? It’s a small, quiet place with kind people. It’s a safe place to raise my family. What do you miss most about home? Family, especially my parents. What do you plan to do once you return home? I plan to stay here permanently, assuming everything continues to go well. Who’s your favourite Kiwi celebrity? Sonny Bill Williams. He’s a young, strong athlete with strong beliefs. I can relate to him. Tell me something about your birthplace: It’s full of history. It’s a holy place for all regions with all kinds of beautiful and iconic places, like Petra for example. Children: Three. Two born in Jordan (9-year- old son and 6-year-old daughter) and one (a 2-year-old son) born in New Zealand. What would you like locals to know about you? When you come to a new country, some people may assume you are taking and not giving to the community. I manage 35 people with 12 chicken breeding sheds. I have a University degree in Animal Sciences. I’m a productive member of the community. I’ve brought my knowledge and skills here and I’m very proud of that. Favourite food: Mansef, it’s a traditional Jordanian meal that my wife makes. It’s a yogurt dish with meat and rice. What advice would you give to new immigrants? Be productive and add something to the society so people will have a good impression of you. If you could add one thing to Matamata, what would it be? We need a large sports complex for youth of all ages that would centralise all of the different sports.