Navigation for Afternoons

Introducing Orphee Mickalad

Each week we talk to a former refugee, who's come to New Zealand and made it their home.

Today we're chatting to Orphee Mickalad, who left the Republic of Congo in central Africa after civil war broke out in 1997.

After nine years seeking refuge Orphee and his family settled in New Zealand in 2006.

Orphee Mikalad

Just me! I am little bit into clothing and fashion. An interest I have come to develop over years.

Photos of me and my family taken shortly before the Massey University graduation ceremony on 28 November 2014. That year, I became to first person in my family to graduate with a university degree.

Me and Mum and Dad.

Me and my brothers and sisters.

In November 2016, I was selected to be part of the Australia-New Zealand political exchange programme along with other parliamentary colleagues.

Speaking to a crowd on World Peace Day in 2017. I have always believed in the following adage: “think globally, act locally”.

One of my goals in life is to one day become a Member of Parliament, and then a Cabinet Minister and hopefully one day become Prime Minister!

In September 2018, I finally had the opportunity to meet with Helen Clark for the first time - taken at her book signing.

In 2017, I was engaged in a number of public speaking events to discuss humanitarian issues and share my personal experience as former refugee.

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.

Each week we talk to a former refugee, who's come to New Zealand and made it their home.

Today we're chatting to Orphee Mickalad, who left the Republic of Congo in central Africa after civil war broke out in 1997.

After nine years seeking refuge Orphee and his family settled in New Zealand in 2006.