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Know Your Place
The story of a child refugee who faced her fears, found her home and accidentally made history
When she was just nine, Golriz Ghahraman and her parents were forced to flee their home in Iran. After a terrifying and uncertain journey, they landed in Auckland where they were able to seek asylum and - ultimately - create a new life.
In this open and intimate account, Ghahraman talks about making a home in Aotearoa New Zealand, her work as a human rights lawyer, her United Nations missions, and how she became the first refugee to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament.
Passionate and unflinching, Know Your Place is a story about breaking barriers, and the daily challenges of prejudice that shape the lives of women and minorities. At its heart, it's about overcoming fear, about family, and about finding a place to belong.
When she was just nine, Golriz Ghahraman and her parents were forced to flee their home in Iran. After a terrifying and uncertain journey, they landed in Auckland where they were able to seek asylum and - ultimately - create a new life.
In this open and intimate account, Ghahraman talks about making a home in Aotearoa New Zealand, her work as a human rights lawyer, her United Nations missions, and how she became the first refugee to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament.
Passionate and unflinching, Know Your Place is a story about breaking barriers, and the daily challenges of prejudice that shape the lives of women and minorities. At its heart, it's about overcoming fear, about family, and about finding a place to belong.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
38 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 31, 2020
I am very grateful that Golriz Gharaman has written about her life and the path that led her to becoming an MP (and also that she did stand for election.) I've already given this to students who have read it just as quickly as me.
It is a fast read, but is filled with stuff to make you think - how refugees are treated, how racism does exist in NZ, and how women in the public eye are treated/abused/hated on so appallingly, and even more so if you are outside the white norm and dare to state opinions.
A must buy for every secondary school library in New Zealand.
It is a fast read, but is filled with stuff to make you think - how refugees are treated, how racism does exist in NZ, and how women in the public eye are treated/abused/hated on so appallingly, and even more so if you are outside the white norm and dare to state opinions.
A must buy for every secondary school library in New Zealand.
June 19, 2021
I have deep respect for Golriz as an MP, lawyer and all round amazing fellow kiwi doing the hard yards in public service. Her story made me cry and is also deeply relatable. Although we’re about a decade apart in age, we have a large overlapping memory of public events and trials in NZ. It was strange and eerie to read a contemporary memoir of someone who worked on or analysed cases that I studied at law school, and the parallel experience of living through the 2019 terror at attack in Christchurch. Her empathy is boundless and I wish more MPs had a fraction of the understanding (and qualifications!!!) she has.
Sorry to add this though - I just wished the book had been better edited from a stylistic perspective.
Sorry to add this though - I just wished the book had been better edited from a stylistic perspective.
January 17, 2021
New Zealanders, especially Pākehā, I urge you to read this. Golriz is incredibly brave and inspiring. She also faces relentless abuse from racist and misogynistic New Zealanders. This book is a call to action to us all to uphold the values of egalitarianism and fairness that Kiwis like to think we demonstrate so well. It's a call to action to be on the right side of history and be actively anti-racist, and that includes decolonising.
September 4, 2020
“When you have known any kind of oppression or exclusion, you have an appreciation for other forms of oppression. My experience of hate was particular to my race and background as a refugee, as well as living in this world as a woman. But knowing systemic marginalisation exists makes it far easier to understand and acknowledge its different forms…..To have this privileged platform comes with the responsibility to speak loudly to systemic prejudice. We have to build solidarity across our movements, so we can help end societal gaslighting that tells each of us as individuals that oppression does not exist.”
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This book has been a constant companion over the last few weeks. It has travelled between work places with me, to appointments and from room to room in the house as I have slowly worked my way through its pages. Golriz Ghahraman is a hugely impressive figure. A human rights lawyer, she has worked in the criminal justice system in New Zealand and also for the UN at war tribunals in both Cambodia and Rwanda. She is now a New Zealand Member of Parliament for the Green Party, brought to politics by a desire to protect democracy and work against systematic injustices
At the age of nine, Golriz and her parents fled Iran and became first asylum seekers and then refugees in New Zealand. Know Your Place (and can we just pause for a moment to appreciate how clever and layered that title is) is Golriz’s memoir from her early life in Iran to the Christchurch mosque attacks and the settlement of Behrouz Boochani in New Zealand at the end of 2019. The book is not party political, but it is political in the best of ways highlighting the systemic prejudices in New Zealand’s legal and political systems and emphasising the need for representation in these predominantly Pākehā and often male institutions. I particularly loved the passages about Golriz’s courtroom experiences and certain phrases seem to have settled under my skin
“None of us have rights because we are good, but because we are human”
A brilliant, thought-provoking book that calls on us to be “jolted into participation” and shows the amount of work that is still to be done to weed out oppression and prejudice
.
.
.
This book has been a constant companion over the last few weeks. It has travelled between work places with me, to appointments and from room to room in the house as I have slowly worked my way through its pages. Golriz Ghahraman is a hugely impressive figure. A human rights lawyer, she has worked in the criminal justice system in New Zealand and also for the UN at war tribunals in both Cambodia and Rwanda. She is now a New Zealand Member of Parliament for the Green Party, brought to politics by a desire to protect democracy and work against systematic injustices
At the age of nine, Golriz and her parents fled Iran and became first asylum seekers and then refugees in New Zealand. Know Your Place (and can we just pause for a moment to appreciate how clever and layered that title is) is Golriz’s memoir from her early life in Iran to the Christchurch mosque attacks and the settlement of Behrouz Boochani in New Zealand at the end of 2019. The book is not party political, but it is political in the best of ways highlighting the systemic prejudices in New Zealand’s legal and political systems and emphasising the need for representation in these predominantly Pākehā and often male institutions. I particularly loved the passages about Golriz’s courtroom experiences and certain phrases seem to have settled under my skin
“None of us have rights because we are good, but because we are human”
A brilliant, thought-provoking book that calls on us to be “jolted into participation” and shows the amount of work that is still to be done to weed out oppression and prejudice
June 20, 2021
An incredible memoir from an incredible and inspiring voice of representation, fierce and diverse human rights advocacy, and tenacious youth and energy.
Golriz Ghahraman is the first refugee MP of New Zealand parliament, having arrived with her parents at Auckland Airport when she was 9, to seek asylum. Fleeing oppression and the fear of persecution in Iran, she embraced her new home, working through her education to aspiring to be a leader in some of the toughest times.
"For the first time, there are politicians speaking from real, lived experiences to issues never before given a national, let alone global, platform. Our issues aren't only race and gender - we also speak about poverty, healthcare, education, housing, and the climate crisis from perspectives that were, until now, perilously ignored. If revolution is a taking of power by the powerless to change government, then ours is a revolution."
Within her story, Golriz outlines her parent's experiences in Iran, their resistance, their fears. She speaks about the challenges, and survivor guilt, as being a child living freely in New Zealand as her parents struggled. She sharing her schooling, her experience as an Other in mostly Pākehā New Zealand. Her work as a lawyer, and then time in Rwanda, The Hague, and genocidal trials in Cambodia. She discusses her move into running for parliament with The Greens.
There were some assumed knowledge of NZ politics and structures, and included their impressive way of using Maòri within their language so naturally, which was foreign to this Aussie, but wow, Golriz has painted an impressive view of the often overshadowed Pacific country.
Not shying away from the big issues, in her work nor this book of her life so far, she discusses many first hand experiences, ideas and ideals of racism, equality, human rights, gender issues, and her dreams for a better society. She shares the devastating Christchurch terrorist attack, and the moments around that for her.
Seeing the photo in the middle of Golriz and Behrouz Boochani made my heart soar, and brought tears to my eyes. The references to his plight and freedom, included in the Epilogue, and the truths of his story and Australia's treatment of refugees and people seeking asylum were touched on.
Golriz has a story to share, and this memoir is an impressive read. She is certainly someone I want to hear more from and about.
Golriz Ghahraman is the first refugee MP of New Zealand parliament, having arrived with her parents at Auckland Airport when she was 9, to seek asylum. Fleeing oppression and the fear of persecution in Iran, she embraced her new home, working through her education to aspiring to be a leader in some of the toughest times.
"For the first time, there are politicians speaking from real, lived experiences to issues never before given a national, let alone global, platform. Our issues aren't only race and gender - we also speak about poverty, healthcare, education, housing, and the climate crisis from perspectives that were, until now, perilously ignored. If revolution is a taking of power by the powerless to change government, then ours is a revolution."
Within her story, Golriz outlines her parent's experiences in Iran, their resistance, their fears. She speaks about the challenges, and survivor guilt, as being a child living freely in New Zealand as her parents struggled. She sharing her schooling, her experience as an Other in mostly Pākehā New Zealand. Her work as a lawyer, and then time in Rwanda, The Hague, and genocidal trials in Cambodia. She discusses her move into running for parliament with The Greens.
There were some assumed knowledge of NZ politics and structures, and included their impressive way of using Maòri within their language so naturally, which was foreign to this Aussie, but wow, Golriz has painted an impressive view of the often overshadowed Pacific country.
Not shying away from the big issues, in her work nor this book of her life so far, she discusses many first hand experiences, ideas and ideals of racism, equality, human rights, gender issues, and her dreams for a better society. She shares the devastating Christchurch terrorist attack, and the moments around that for her.
Seeing the photo in the middle of Golriz and Behrouz Boochani made my heart soar, and brought tears to my eyes. The references to his plight and freedom, included in the Epilogue, and the truths of his story and Australia's treatment of refugees and people seeking asylum were touched on.
Golriz has a story to share, and this memoir is an impressive read. She is certainly someone I want to hear more from and about.
June 26, 2021
A must-read, especially for New Zealanders. Deeply touching and incredibly powerful account of Golriz's life and experiences as NZ's 'first refugee MP'. Brought me to tears several times with just what an ordeal she's been through. At the same time, it gives me hope given we have people like Golriz in Aotearoa and now, our Parliament. Very well written and easy (albeit emotional) reading.
November 21, 2020
Know Your Place by Golriz Ghahraman
'Know Your Place' is a candid and thought provoking and honest look into what it's like growing up and living as an Iranian refugee woman in New Zealand
Golriz talks about her work as a human rights lawyer, her United Nations missions, and how she became the first refugee to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament. Passionate and unflinching, Know Your Place is a story about breaking barriers and the daily challenges of prejudice that shape the lives of women and minorities. At its heart, its about overcoming fear, about family and about finding a place to belong.
She also has MS but she sets no barriers for herself.
"It's not that people with MS can't do certain jobs, it's that we haven't made enough of an effort to make that possible." - Golriz Ghahraman.
It was a refreshing read as usually New Zealand political biographies are usually very one dimensional, this was a big surprise an definitely the best political bio I've read, sorry Helen, Jacinda and Judith.
'Know Your Place' is a candid and thought provoking and honest look into what it's like growing up and living as an Iranian refugee woman in New Zealand
Golriz talks about her work as a human rights lawyer, her United Nations missions, and how she became the first refugee to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament. Passionate and unflinching, Know Your Place is a story about breaking barriers and the daily challenges of prejudice that shape the lives of women and minorities. At its heart, its about overcoming fear, about family and about finding a place to belong.
She also has MS but she sets no barriers for herself.
"It's not that people with MS can't do certain jobs, it's that we haven't made enough of an effort to make that possible." - Golriz Ghahraman.
It was a refreshing read as usually New Zealand political biographies are usually very one dimensional, this was a big surprise an definitely the best political bio I've read, sorry Helen, Jacinda and Judith.
July 31, 2020
cried through the hardest parts of this book and the ones that shone a spotlight on my own shame. such gorgeous, attentive and needed writing
July 28, 2021
Known fact: I adore memoirs. This one especially spoke directly to and fed my soul in a way I didn’t know I wanted when I absolutely needed it.
Thank you, MP Golriz Ghahraman
Thank you, MP Golriz Ghahraman
October 27, 2020
An incredible story of someone who has faced so much hatred and racism in her lifetime yet has become such an inspiration. Thank you so much Golriz for sharing your story and being brave enough to represent marginalised communities
December 27, 2022
Finally decided to read this and I'm very glad I did! Golriz is a wonderful writer and a passionate speaker
August 17, 2020
I knew Golriz was incredible but after reading her book she's even more so!! What an amazing story. It was well written (sometimes memoirs can be a bit hit and miss but this was great!) and she continuously brought you in to her journey. Lots of information. Took a while to process! Loved it, love her.
March 16, 2021
Iranian child refugee to politician in NZ. Interesting story and experience of refugees and new migrants. Well written but as a detailed diary. If she made it much briefer and highlighted her points it would be very interesting. As it is, I found it tedious and could not finish it.
July 18, 2020
Great memoir. Golriz is doing really important work for New Zealand.
November 1, 2020
This book was a real eye opener for me into the ‘real NZ’.
Golriz has an amazing passion, drive and perseverance for issues that matter — we are lucky to have her as one of our leaders.
Golriz has an amazing passion, drive and perseverance for issues that matter — we are lucky to have her as one of our leaders.
July 20, 2020
While Golriz seems too young for writing a memoir, it turned out being interesting and inspiring read.
First part, it’s her story; what her family had to go through to get to New Zealand. As a migrant myself, I can relate to at least a part of it. Going through the experience that she had makes people perceive many things much differently, shifting personal goals and values towards more universal ones. Many people see migrants as less intelligent than themselves, mostly because these people speak broken English or too scared to make mistakes in their speech, so choose not to speak at all. Also quite often their diplomas could not be recognised by the new country authorities, require them to undergo expensive recertification or take lengthy retraining courses. So, often migrants who used to be engineers and doctors at their country become taxi drivers and shop owners. This, and the fact of being separated from their relatives and friends, often not having any chance to see them again, make migrants be grim and untalkative people.
Second part, it’s Golriz’s story of how she became a voice of non-white (but also not only Māori) community, and it turned to be quite a job. All the sudden she became too strange to this land, where she lived most of her life. For many people migrants are tolerable as far as they are quiet and thankful; but as soon as they start speaking for themselves, require equality, this is no longer ok. That’s when Ghahraman started receiving not only criticism, but also threats. No other migrant MP (as their skin colour is pale enough) is scrutinised so intensely. Not many other MPs are questioned if they are fit and qualified enough for this role (although, there’s no list of skills required by law to become an MP).
The Christchurch shooting showed that racism and xenophobia are present in New Zealand. Muslim community was talking about the threat they experience, but government didn’t pay enough attention to that. That’s why it is important to have a representative of every community on the position of power. Someone, who can speak about hidden problems aloud and help finding better solution for everyone, rather that only majority group of people. That’s why diversity matters a lot.
You can call me romantic idealist, but I share the same values that Golriz is working towards to be reinforced: human rights, justice, equality for all no matter what they skin colour or background is.
First part, it’s her story; what her family had to go through to get to New Zealand. As a migrant myself, I can relate to at least a part of it. Going through the experience that she had makes people perceive many things much differently, shifting personal goals and values towards more universal ones. Many people see migrants as less intelligent than themselves, mostly because these people speak broken English or too scared to make mistakes in their speech, so choose not to speak at all. Also quite often their diplomas could not be recognised by the new country authorities, require them to undergo expensive recertification or take lengthy retraining courses. So, often migrants who used to be engineers and doctors at their country become taxi drivers and shop owners. This, and the fact of being separated from their relatives and friends, often not having any chance to see them again, make migrants be grim and untalkative people.
Second part, it’s Golriz’s story of how she became a voice of non-white (but also not only Māori) community, and it turned to be quite a job. All the sudden she became too strange to this land, where she lived most of her life. For many people migrants are tolerable as far as they are quiet and thankful; but as soon as they start speaking for themselves, require equality, this is no longer ok. That’s when Ghahraman started receiving not only criticism, but also threats. No other migrant MP (as their skin colour is pale enough) is scrutinised so intensely. Not many other MPs are questioned if they are fit and qualified enough for this role (although, there’s no list of skills required by law to become an MP).
The Christchurch shooting showed that racism and xenophobia are present in New Zealand. Muslim community was talking about the threat they experience, but government didn’t pay enough attention to that. That’s why it is important to have a representative of every community on the position of power. Someone, who can speak about hidden problems aloud and help finding better solution for everyone, rather that only majority group of people. That’s why diversity matters a lot.
You can call me romantic idealist, but I share the same values that Golriz is working towards to be reinforced: human rights, justice, equality for all no matter what they skin colour or background is.
Read
February 9, 2021This is not just a story about a brilliantly accomplished woman (and she is, her drive and talent is phenomenal), it’s also the story of NZ growing up (more slowly than many of us would like and sometimes slipping backwards) to become more diverse and accepting. Having women of colour like Golriz fighting for and claiming a voice gives me hope. It must be said that this is also the story of two incredible parents who gave up so much for their daughter. Being a refuge is not the life they would have chosen but they were incredibly brave and NZ is a better place for them, and others like them. I particularly enjoyed the early chapters on what it was like arriving in west Auckland and rebuilding their lives, while dealing (and sometimes being amused by) ignorant assumptions. I loved that Golriz doesn’t get chicken flavoured chips, and quirks like how weird it must have been to come to a place where being invited out to dinner means also taking a plate of dinner and drinks with you. It was also a sad reminder that those quirks aside, so often educational qualifications, professional experience and, even sense of humour, are hard to bring with you to another country (especially from certain countries, ie. not white/western). Definitely worth reading.
January 13, 2021
I've read a number of bio's/autobio's of political figures in the last few years and this one (like Madeleine Chapman's - Jacinda Ardern) makes me so grateful to live in a country where stories are heard. Stories of refugees, of minorities, and a raft of others who make up our nation. We have so far to go with creating a truly equal society where all are valued simply for their humanity but I am hopeful because we have people like Golriz walking and speaking in our 'halls of power'. This book was honest, genuine and gripping. It highlighted parts of our society and culture I hadn't been faced with - and sometimes was saddened to see still existed. I will be passing this book on to my teenage daughters, Golriz provides inspiration for the young and especially for young women.
July 26, 2020
This took me a week to get through. I spent so much time scrolling Reddit instead of reading, which normally indicates a book is boring. But I think this book just took a lot of emotional effort to be involved in. Golriz is so inspiring and so genuinely good. Her account really hammers home how much hate and racism there is in New Zealand, and also how important it is to speak against casual day to day microaggressions that lead to murders. I know the Christchurch attack last year was a wake up call to me that New Zealand isn't a perfect safe haven. Being better than the US isn't enough. We are lucky to have leaders like Golriz putting herself out there on a regular basis.
August 1, 2023
What a fabulous woman! The memoir of a young Iranian refugee who arrives in New Zealand speaking no English, describes her time at law school and subsequent international career in human rights, culminating in election to the New Zealand Parliament. What Golriz has achieved is exceptional and the account is highly readable. The latter half of the book traverses issues of which Golriz has intimate experience and discusses the barriers encountered along her way. Gender, race, sex and religion are among those issues and then
the mosque shootings..... There’s a sense that this book was published too soon and would be better with a longer lens. However it stands head and shoulders over many NZ political autobiographies published recently.
the mosque shootings..... There’s a sense that this book was published too soon and would be better with a longer lens. However it stands head and shoulders over many NZ political autobiographies published recently.
August 15, 2021
I love the journey this book took you on even though I already knew a little bit about Golriz and the type of politician she is today. I felt lucky to be given so many insights into what it was like to grow up in Iran in the 80s and 90s and also a little of what it is like to grow up as a minority in a country which I also grew up in and had many privileges in because I was not in a minority group.
November 13, 2022
I kept putting off reading this book but I'm glad I picked it up. She has an interesting life story coming from Iran and settling in to life in NZ and then success as a lawyer and politician. It's a very thought provoking book. I don't necessarily agree with all her viewpoints but it's good to have your thinking challenged. I had never given any thought to kids being tried in adult court for example. The last chapter about the Christchurch shootings was really moving.
October 16, 2020
An absolutely fantastic and well written book! Perfectly timed to read this right before the election. I find Golriz is quite amazing, she is an icon for me!
Her story was so harrowing and interesting! I would recommend this book to anyone who would be interested in reading it. This is one of my favourite biographies I have ever read.
Her story was so harrowing and interesting! I would recommend this book to anyone who would be interested in reading it. This is one of my favourite biographies I have ever read.
January 17, 2022
Beautiful and eloquently written. The account of her refugee past is not played up nor exaggerated for sympathy, yet still makes you cry as you can feel her families desperation to live in a better place. Her journey from child to international human rights lawyer, to New Zealand Green MP is inspiring at its core. Definitely recommend.
April 15, 2022
Loved this book. Golriz Ghahraman is a New Zealand politician and current Member of Parliament. A truly remarkable young woman who has achieved so much since coming to NZ as a refugee with her parents when she was nine years old. From learning the language to becoming a humanitarian lawyer and MP she has shone a light on the plight of refugees world wide, as well as in NZ.
April 17, 2022
An incredible read, so real, authentic and relatable to many migrant/ refugee experiences. Loved the sociological themes throughout this book and the thought provoking elements. 10/10 would recommend, highly appreciated seeing these experiences voiced through this book and bringing hope through sharing. Thank you Golriz for your honesty, bravery and inspiration!
September 9, 2022
The good refugee
I would vote for her.
I liked the points;
That the right to asylum is a human right, not contingent on being a 'good' refugee.
That prejudice leads to hate (speech). And hate leads to terrorism / atrocities and genocides. And politicians often use prejudice to gain political favor.
I would vote for her.
I liked the points;
That the right to asylum is a human right, not contingent on being a 'good' refugee.
That prejudice leads to hate (speech). And hate leads to terrorism / atrocities and genocides. And politicians often use prejudice to gain political favor.
September 3, 2020
The story of Golriz’ journey to Aotearoa and life here is well worth a read, and will be interesting and challenging for a wide range of people.
I found some of the last chapters a little like political speeches, but she is an MP, so I guess that’s to be expected.
I found some of the last chapters a little like political speeches, but she is an MP, so I guess that’s to be expected.
January 5, 2022
I nearly didn't read this book but once I started I was hooked. It was so good for me to have my eyes opened to what it is like to be a refugee in New Zealand. Golriz's story is honest, brave, insightful and inspiring. Thoroughly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews