Background
In 2019, Shuari founded Moraka Menstrual Cups, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of period poverty in New Zealand and providing cost-effective, accessible, and sustainable alternatives to disposable period products. Shuari’s list of accolades includes winning the 2022 Australia and New Zealand Sustainathon challenge, being a YWCA Y25 recipient for 2021, being a finalist for the Women of Influence awards, a finalist for the Impact Awards in the climate category, a finalist for the Girls in Business Excellence in Sustainability award, as well as receiving the Young Woman in Public Affairs award from Zonta International – all while studying Politics and Criminology at Victoria University.
Our chat covers the migration journey made by many Aotearoa families, the role of patience and compassion in leadership, and university life.
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Ke-Xin:
Thank you for sharing your time with us today! To begin, I’d love to learn more about your cultural background.
Shuari:
I was born in Durban, South Africa, and I moved to New Zealand when I was six years old with my family. Although my nationality is South African, culturally and ethnically, I am of Indian descent. I’m actually the fifth or sixth generation to be born in South Africa.
Ke-Xin:
What was it like when your family first moved to a new country?
Shuari:
Many people don’t realise how hard it can be to move countries.
When we arrived in New Zealand, we were a blank slate. Although my family is very privileged, that doesn’t make the experience less hard. For a while, we lived in Auckland without a house. We were relying on a single income to support me and my one-year-old sister, and I was struggling to adapt to the school system.
It was tough not having a community to lean on. You feel lonely and isolated until you find your community again. Having that support system means a lot to my family.
Ke-Xin:
What valuable lessons did you learn from your parents during this migration journey?
Shuari:
Resilience. The resilience to face anything.
Arriving in a new country as a child and starting from scratch was challenging. As I encountered struggles later in life, whether in university or at work, I realised I could overcome them. I’ve developed the strength, backbone, and resilience to navigate through any difficulties.
Ke-Xin:
You’ve been the CEO of Moraka Menstrual Cups since 2019, but you recently transitioned to a different role last December. Can you tell me about this change?
Shuari:
In January, I decided to step away from Moraka. I have absolutely loved running Moraka since I was 16 years old. It was a great pleasure providing period products to universities and NGOs across New Zealand. However, I wanted to explore other avenues and learn more, especially from others. While running Moraka, I largely operated on my own. I wanted to learn teamwork, managing others, and elevating a grassroots organisation.
I’m passionate about not-for-profits and social enterprises. I believe I can make a positive impact by working in these organisations. I now hold a senior manager role at the Brothers and Sisters Collective. I’ve always wanted to take on a leadership role, so it was the perfect opportunity.
Ke-Xin:
How has it been so far?
Shuari:
It’s been insightful. I’ve learned so much on the job: applying for grants, liaising with the accountant, and even budgeting – and I’m a politics student, so we don’t usually do that!
The job has also given me a good work-life balance. As a university student, it’s easy to get very focused and lose sight of the world around you. This job has helped me stay in touch with what’s happening around me.
Ke-Xin:
What have you learned about leadership from this new role?
Shuari:
Patience. My boss is a very understanding and patient person. He’s shown me that running a charity involves understanding and checking in with people. Patience has made me more empathetic and understanding.
I’ve also practised patience in my work. Sometimes the accountant can be a bit slow. By being patient yet assertive, and finding that balance, I can ensure tasks are completed within deadlines.
I’ve also learned a new definition of assertiveness, which is about being true to oneself.
Ke-Xin:
Speaking about who we are as a person, many young people today struggle with self-discovery. Have you faced similar challenges, and how did you manage?
Shuari:
I’m still navigating that struggle.
It’s not easy to figure out who one is, but I’m gradually gaining insights into myself. I’ve realised I enjoy learning and, above all, personal growth.
Regarding my identity, I see it as ever-evolving. What I like now at 20 might not resonate in two years. My mom has always advised against fixating on a narrow view of life, as it’s limiting. We change as people. We desire different things at different stages. So, don’t cling to a single idea of yourself.
Ke-Xin:
With so many projects in your life, how do you stay motivated and maintain focus?
Shuari:
Something I’ve started doing is maintaining a paper to-do list. Everyone’s to-do list can look different. A simple list helps clarify tasks for the day.
Another helpful tip I’ve found with a to-do list is deferring tasks to another day. Society often promotes a hustle culture that makes us feel the more we do, the better. It’s okay to admit, “I can’t do this today, I’m not in the right headspace, or I just don’t feel up to it.”
You’ll find it a lot easier to do it the next day or moment in time because you’re showing understanding and patience towards yourself.
Ke-Xin:
After spending time at university, what insight can you share about the university experience?
Shuari:
To those heading to university, remember that you’re allowed to change your mind about what you want to study and your academic path. As I mentioned earlier, you’re allowed to evolve as a person.
Sometimes, university isn’t life-changing; it’s just one part of your life, and that’s perfectly fine. If it does transform you, that’s also amazing. Don’t get caught up in ideas of what university should be like. Be at ease with whatever happens.
Ke-Xin:
What do you believe educators should do to create a safer, more compassionate environment for tomorrow’s multiethnic young leaders?
Shuari:
I would say, start to notice our achievements. I recently read a book about bias which discusses how we simplify different people. I want to say to educators to start seeing us as equals, as we are deserving of our achievements and our stories.
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About the Interviewer: Ke-Xin Li (李可心) is a Chinese migrant who came to Aotearoa 13 years ago. She loves the diversity and open-mindedness offered by Auckland. Pursuing her dream in journalism, Ke-Xin hopes to highlight the joys and sorrows of ordinary people and bring change through representation.
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About Rising Voices: Rising Voices seeks to highlight, amplify and celebrate the stories, aspirations and voices of our next generation of leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Disclaimer: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. The essence of the conversation remains intact, and any changes made do not alter the meaning or intent of the interviewee’s responses.
