Asylum seeker writes of freedom’s pleasures

‘‘Living in a quiet and calm city like Christchurch represents a profound transformation.’’

Behrouz Boochani

Kurdish-Iranian refugee Behrouz Boochani – still in Christchurch months after his visa has expired – has spoken about his life in New Zealand for the first time.

The award-winning author spent six years in detention on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, after fleeing Iran.

His autobiography details his journey from Indonesia to Australia by boat.

He arrived in New Zealand in November last year after being invited to speak at Word Christchurch but did not leave when his 30-day visitor visa expired.

In an article published in the Sydney Morning Herald he says he spends his time cycling along Christchurch’s Avon River, people watching in coffee shops, and taking walks in the city centre.

‘‘It has been more than five months since I began living in New Zealand. After the first month – during which I was travelling to participate in panels and events – I spent my time trying to comprehend freedom,’’ he wrote.

‘‘For someone who has been immersed in a tragedy and humanitarian crisis for years, living in a quiet and calm city like Christchurch represents a profound transformation.’’

Boochani left Iran in 2013 fearing persecution because of his advocacy of Kurdish people. He was unaware the

Australian Government would not grant permanent settlement to any asylum seekers arriving by boat.

His book, No Friend But the Mountains: Writings from Manus Prison, was famously typed into a mobile phone and sent via WhatsApp. It went on to win the $100,000 Victorian Prize for Literature and the $10,000 Special Award at the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.

Boochani was accepted for resettlement in the United States and told reporters he was investigating whether he could fly from New Zealand to the US.

His application to come to New Zealand was sponsored by Amnesty International NZ, and he was greeted by mayor Lianne Dalziel when he arrived in Christchurch on November 29.

He was interviewed by journalist John Campbell in front of a live audience at Christchurch Boys’ High School.

At the time, Boochani said it was hard to describe ‘‘feeling the city, the streets, the people, cars, buildings, the season’’ after being incarcerated for so long.

His decision to overstay beyond his visa has attracted criticism.

In December the National Party’s immigration spokesman, Stuart Smith, said Boochani’s continued presence in New Zealand raised several questions for the prime minister and Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway.

Although Boochani is legally allowed to stay here while his claim for asylum is being assessed, Smith said the Sydney Morning Herald article was ‘‘a bit rich’’.

‘‘My issue is not with Mr Boochani but with the process in which he entered New Zealand. It’s not as if he didn’t have anywhere to go.’’ He accused Boochani of ‘‘test-driving’’ New Zealand to see where he wanted to stay.

In his article, Boochani says: ‘‘It gives me pleasure that after years I can be by myself. I can listen to music by myself; walk to the city centre; go to the cinema on the weekends; sit in the corner of a cafe and drink coffee while watching people walk by; make new friends and talk to them about the city and its history; and immerse myself in the stories of people who have lived their entire lives in freedom. Recently I bought a bicycle and every afternoon I ride along the river that runs through the middle of the city until I reach the sea.

‘‘I watch the birds as I sit beside the lagoon next to the ocean, or I traverse the hills surrounding the city and enter the beautiful town of Lyttelton.’’

A spokeswoman for Immigration New Zealand said the department was ‘‘unable to comment on Mr Boochani’s visa status’’ for legal and privacy reasons.

An Epidemic Management Notice relating to immigration came into effect from April 2, meaning holders of a work, student, visitor, limited or interim visa with an expiry date of April 2 to July 9 – and who were in New Zealand on April 2 – have had their visas automatically extended until September 25.

Boochani was approached for comment via an intermediary.