Beyond Hope

A powerful story of how one man didn't let other people define him

At age 18, Bariz Shah ended up in an Auckland prison. As an Afghan migrant who was deeply affected by 9/11, Bariz spiralled from schoolyard fights into crime and drugs - until prison made him rethink the story of his life.

Years later, in Christchurch, Bariz had turned everything around when a terrorist walked into the local mosque and took the lives of 51 people in his community. Driven by a new purpose, Bariz and his wife Saba raised money to return to Afghanistan and establish 51 small businesses in honour of those they lost.

In this memoir about finding self-belief, belonging and positive change, Bariz's story reminds us that we always have the power to change ourselves for the better.

About the Author

Bariz arrived in New Zealand from Pakistan in 2001 after his family fled war-torn Afghanistan in the 1980s. Bariz went on to complete an engineering degree from the University of Canterbury, and became the President of the University of Canterbury Muslim Students Association. After the March 2019 attacks in Christchurch, Bariz and his wife Saba fundraised $20,000 and travelled to Afghanistan to support 51 micro businesses in Kabul and Jalalabad as a tribute to those who died.

He was awarded the Christchurch Civic Award for his efforts. Bariz is now a qualified engineer, and father to 2-year-old Zawrez ("The giver of light"). He is an active Muslim community leader, and is passionate about second chances and servant leadership.