Despite being almost 12,000km from where they grew up, a Nepalese family new to Alexandra are enjoying learning about rugby and soaking up Central’s beautiful weather. 

Awatar and Muna Dhakal and their five year old son Aayam moved to Alexandra from Cromwell about a year ago.

The family own and operate Everest Mart, a grocery store on Tarbert St (formerly known as Alx Wholefoods) selling herbs, spices, baking products, bulk bin items, home brew supplies and eco-friendly cleaning items.

Awatar moved to New Zealand in 2019 first and worked in hospitality in Cromwell, before Muna and Aayam joined him two and a half years later.

He said they had found locals friendly but it was hard being so far away from family.

“We miss the festivals and [Hindu culture] from home, like Dashain, Holi, and Diwali.”

Awatar said they had connected with others in the Nepalese-New Zealand community, but as far as they knew there was only one other Nepalese family in Alexandra.

The attractions of Alexandra to them were the weather, the safe atmosphere, and the small town feel with all the conveniences needed for a family.

Awatar, Muna and Aayam, on the way to school drop off in Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central App 

He was working hard in their store six days a week and said he wants to build a successful business to support his family. 

They couple had an arranged marriage, which is very normal for families in Kawasoti, Nepal where they both grew up, only a few kilometres from each other.

Muna said they had met three or four times prior to their wedding day, which was a big affair with around 300 guests, music, food and dancing.

She trained as a nurse at home, and had been employed as a support worker in New Zealand.

Muna hoped to pass the exams to be able to work as a nurse here one day, and maybe work at Dunstan Hospital in the future. 

At home they speak Nepali, and are raising Aayam to be bilingual. Next time you greet them try out the Nepali ‘Namaste’ (hello). 

The family were looking forward to making more multicultural connections and had joined the new multicultural partnership group in the district. 

Read more: Multicultural partnership group welcomes members

Find out more about Everest Mart on their listing

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