Since the end of World War II, New Zealand has been welcoming refugees into our country.
Aotearoa is a signatory to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. We host refugees and asylum seekers from Asia, South America, Middle East and Africa.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention in 2001, World Refugee Day was founded. It was originally known as Africa Refugee Day, before the United Nations General Assembly officially designated it as an international day in December 2000.
We recently spoke with Oo Meh Nga, who is one of our Registered Nurses at Kenepuru Hospital.
Oo Meh was born in a refugee camp in Burma, right on the Thailand-Myanmar border. Her family had fled the civil war-torn country to the camp in 1994. Getting there was no easy feat however. Weeks prior to the move to the refugee camp, Oo Meh’s family had to hide in the Thai jungles, avoiding both wildlife and soldiers. Thankfully, they were able to arrive safely undetected and lived in the refugee camp for 10 years before resettling in New Zealand in 2006, when Oo Meh was just eight years-old.
They had heard positive reviews about Aotearoa as a country from a volunteer at the refugee camps. Her parents also wanted a better life for their children and access to medical care, so thought it was the best option, despite the fact they were terrified as they did not know anyone here or speak English at the time.
This month marks 17 years since they resettled in Porirua. Oo Meh shared with us how life has been as a refugee and working her way into health.
What brought you to choose nursing as a career?
“I have a younger sister who is really unwell and has been in and out of hospitals for most of her life. When we were growing up, being new to the country, we did not know how the health system worked. All the nurses were really kind and helpful, and treated us no differently than others. I was touched by their work and this had a major influence in me choosing nursing as a profession.”
What do you enjoy about your role?
“I enjoy giving back and being there for my patients, simple as that. I have been at Kenepuru Hospital for the past two years working in the Older Persons Ward. It is like a rehabilitation centre. I want to give back to those who are vulnerable, so it gives me a lot of joy to be here helping these people.
I also have a casual role at a GP practice where I work with several former refugees. This also gives me a sense of fulfilment.”
How do you help patients who are former refugees feel comfortable in your care?
“If I come across a patient who is a former refugee, I tell them about myself and share my background which helps to connect with them immediately. If they are new to the country, they may not be aware of the healthcare system and I remind them that we have access to the right care, and they can have access to interpreters.”
How have you found mixing your culture here in New Zealand?
“The food is quite different. Our food is quite spicy and we use a lot of chillis. Our parents helped us stay connected with our culture and food by cooking at home. I am a Karenni, one of the ethnic groups in Myanmar, and our community comes together every year to celebrate our National Day. On this day we have cultural performances, cook our traditional food and read and share our culture. This not only helps us stay connected but is great for our children who were born here.
It was easier for us as children to learn English and blend with the culture here. I am also an interpreter for Karenni (Kayah) and am now working towards getting my NAATI certification.”
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International World Refugee Day?
“There are millions of people around the world who are refugees. This day has been recognised by the UN to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee from persecution.
This is a day to remind us of what our families have been through but also an occasion to give appreciation of being here. It is also a day for everyone to think of the millions of refugees around the world.”
How do you and the community celebrate this day in Wellington?
“In Wellington, we celebrate with organisations that work with former refugees such as Change Makers, Red Cross, and Voice of Aroha etc. This also allows other communities to learn about one another by sharing our experiences, and cultural and foods.”
What would you will like people to think about after reading this article?
“That we just need to remember that some of us have a different journey than others. No matter where we are from, we are all still the same.”
