Neighbourhood Stories
Neighbourhood Stories is an exciting new podcast project led by Anju Desai, a dedicated community teacher, event presenter, and guest speaker with over 20 years of experience. This series aims to shine a light on the extraordinary contributions of East Auckland’s everyday heroes, volunteers, educators, business owners, and others who are making a positive impact in their community.
Through authentic, heartfelt interviews, Neighbourhood Stories invites listeners to connect with the journeys of these local personalities. Guests will share their experiences, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their insights on building a stronger, more inclusive community. The podcast’s mission is to celebrate social responsibility and resilience.
With a focus on fostering connections across diverse backgrounds, Neighbourhood Stories will bring East Auckland to life, encouraging listeners to engage with and contribute to their community.
Click on the video below to watch the first 4 episodes talking with Rosa Chow, Ranjna Patel, Tony Keam and Alexia Rojas.
Connect with Anju: Website / Instagram
This project was funded Arts Out East a programme supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board.
Meet Tony Keam
Tony, a seasoned media professional whose career spans South Korea and New Zealand. Tony began as an announcer and news presenter at the prestigious Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and now leads Happy World Korean TV. Through his work, Tony bridges Korean and Kiwi communities, sharing meaningful stories and fostering cultural exchange.
Meet Ranjna Patel
Ranjna has devoted her career to addressing critical social issues with compassion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Through groundbreaking initiatives like Gandhi Nivas, Ranjna has transformed lives across New Zealand, providing early intervention and support to create safer communities and brighter futures for countless families. Her work stands as a testament to the power of compassion and the impact of innovative solutions in tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Meet Alexia Rojas
Alexia, a passionate community leader originally from Chile. Alexia works tirelessly to support the Latin American community in New Zealand through her involvement with Mano Amiga NZ. She has created a strong network of care and connection, helping new immigrants feel at home and thrive in their new environment.
Meet Rosa Chow
Rosa, a dedicated community advocate who has been making a difference in East Auckland since 1997. Originally from Hong Kong, Rosa’s commitment to building a safer, more inclusive community earned her the prestigious Queen’s Service Medal.