Supporting Afghans settling in New Zealand

Afghans and Kiwis working together to build community and a collective future.

our mission

Afghans and Kiwis working together to build community and a collective future

Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Afghans with connections to the New Zealand government were offered safe haven in Aotearoa as their security was under immediate threat. Timatanga Hou's board is comprised of several Afghans and Kiwis who have worked in Afghanistan. Our mission is to work together to support Afghans settling in New Zealand, helping their integration into the wider community.

 Our future initiatives will promote Afghan community participation, especially among youth and women, fostering a sense of belonging, and helping Afghans reach their full potential in New Zealand. Given the success of our inaugural Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon in 2024, we will hold the event again on Sunday 16 November 2025.

Our Initiatives

Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon

Following the success of the inaugural Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon in 2024 in the Riverhead Forest in West Auckland, the Timatanga Hou board are pleased to again to announce that the marathon and related events will be held again on 16 November 2025. Taliban rule put an end to the Afghanistan Marathon in Bamyan, in the central highlands of Afghanistan, but the Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon reignites the same celebration of inclusivity, unity, and Afghan culture. We’re indebted to our friends at Lactic Turkey as we make this new dream a reality.

To evoke the original context of the Kohi Baba mountain range, high in the Hindu Kush, Timatanga Hou have created courses largely based on the unsealed road network in Riverhead Forest.

While waiting for runners to return or after the event there will be a range of delicious Afghan food on sale including traditional Qabuli (Kabuli) Pulao - tasty bits of tender lamb in a bed of fragrant rice. Bolani - a fried flat bread unique to Afghanistan and Mantu - delicious meat stuffed dumplings. And, of course, different kinds of Chai or Tea without which no Afghan meal would be complete.

In addition, while musicians will play Hazargi music on the Dambura and Dutar you can browse  Afghan handicrafts including carpets.

The Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon is organised by the not-for-profit Timatanga Hou with the support of Lactic Turkey Events, with all proceeds going towards our mission.

Thanks to our 2024 sponsors

GOLD LEVEL

SILVER LEVEL