Pir Zia's New Zealand Visit - Arrival on 18 June 2008

We had an amazing and full 4 days with Pir Zia. Many of us here have not met him before and so we were full of anticipation. It is Winter here and so his arrival at Auckland Airport at 5 am was to a cold and dark New Zealand. Pir Zia and his family arrived at Sharda at 6.45 am and the car was met at the gate by Trish, Val Shafia and Rahima.

Trish led the car in by walking in front of it slowly.

Val Shafia then escorted Pir Zia and his family from the car.

They were met by Annie and Eila who sang out a welcome.

Because the party was understandably tired after such a long journey, this was a very brief welcome called a Whakatau and the full Powhiri was held later at the Centre after the family was rested.