Around The World with Khirad

Khirad Ahmed
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Khirad Ahmed meets people from different cultures, backgrounds and all walks of life to talk about the places they’ve been, the experiences that shaped them, and the stories behind who they are.

  1. 5d ago

    41 - Dr Waqar Qureshi: From Pakistan to Powering Wellington

    Khirad sits down with Dr Waqar Qureshi, General Manager of Asset Management at Wellington Electricity, for a warm conversation about his journey from Pakistan to New Zealand. Dr Waqar talks about growing up in Karachi, arriving in Auckland as a young adult, adjusting to a very different way of life, and building a career in engineering and the energy sector. He and Khirad also explore leadership, belonging, kindness, happiness, technology and AI — including what might remain important in a rapidly changing world. There are plenty of lighter moments too, from first impressions of New Zealand to Khirad’s games and some unexpected engineering challenges. A conversation about people, places, opportunity and the experiences we carry with us wherever we go. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - https://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

  2. Sep 17

    40 - Dr Usma Azhar: Finding Home and Bringing People Together

    What does “home” mean when two countries are part of your story? In this episode of Around the World with Khirad, Khirad sits down with Dr Usma Azhar, a public policy professional, community leader and President of the Pakistan Association of Wellington. Usma came to New Zealand from Pakistan as an international student and has since built a life shaped by education, community, inclusion and bringing people together. She is also a mum of three. But Khirad wants to go beyond the professional biography. They talk about what Usma was like as a child, her first days in New Zealand, the things that surprised her, family, travel, what “home” means when Pakistan and New Zealand are both part of your life, and what her own children have taught her. And because this is Khirad, it isn't all serious. There are riddles, This or That, Would You Rather and some completely random questions along the way! This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - https://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

  3. Sep 3

    39 - Beyond the Bio with Sir Ian Taylor

    Sir Ian Taylor is one of Dunedin’s most remarkable innovators, storytellers and business leaders. From television and music to founding Animation Research Ltd, his work has helped transform the way major sporting events are seen around the world. He was knighted in 2021 for services to broadcasting, business and the community. In this episode, Khirad goes beyond the achievements to discover the person behind them. They talk about Sir Ian’s childhood, the experiences that shaped him, creativity, travel, unexpected turns in life, and the lessons he has picked up along the way. It is a warm, fun and thoughtful conversation about where we come from, where life can take us, and the stories behind the person everyone else sees. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - https://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

  4. Aug 20

    38 - Pakistan Day Special - Happy Independence Day Pakistan

    In this special solo episode of Global Kids with Khirad, Khirad takes listeners on a warm and exciting journey through Pakistan. She explores Pakistan’s mountains, food, languages, colourful celebrations, animals, inspiring people and family stories. Growing up in Aotearoa New Zealand with family roots in Pakistan, Khirad reflects on identity, belonging and why every family’s story is worth celebrating. This episode is a joyful celebration of Pakistan, culture, kindness and curiosity. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - https://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

  5. Aug 6

    37 - A Conversation with Grant Robertson

    In this special episode of GKWK, Khirad speaks with Grant Robertson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago, about leadership, learning, curiosity, and the role universities play in shaping the future. Their conversation explores Grant’s journey, what it means to lead New Zealand’s oldest university, what makes Otago special, and why education matters for young people. Khirad also asks fun and thoughtful questions about childhood dreams, favourite books, advice for students, kindness, courage, and what the world needs more of. This warm and inspiring episode encourages children to stay curious, ask big questions, value learning, and believe in their ability to make a positive difference. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - https://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

  6. Jul 23

    36 - Meet Sophie behind the Mayor Sophie Barker

    In this episode of At GKWK, Khirad speaks with Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker about leadership, community, kindness, and what it means to care for a city. Their conversation explores Sophie’s journey, herself beyond being the Mayor, what she loves about Dunedin, and how young people can contribute to their communities. Khirad also asks fun and thoughtful questions through games such as “This or That,” “Kids’ Cabinet,” and “Magic Backpack.” This warm and inspiring episode encourages children to be curious, confident, kind, and involved in the world around them. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - https://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

  7. Jul 9

    35 - Soul-searching conversation with Ingrid Leary

    In this episode, Khirad speaks with Hon Ingrid Leary, Member of Parliament for Taieri. Their conversation explores Ingrid’s work as a community leader, what inspired her to serve people, and what it is like to represent a local community in Parliament. Khirad also asks fun and thoughtful questions about childhood dreams, kindness, courage, favourite places, and advice for young people. This warm and inspiring episode encourages children to stay curious, use their voice, care about others, and believe that they can make a difference in the world. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - https://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

  8. Jun 25

    34 - Life Between Dunedin and Sydney - A discussion with Umair Zia

    In this episode of Global Kids with Khirad, Khirad chats with close family friend Umair Zia, who previously lived in Dunedin and now lives in Sydney, Australia. Umair shares what it was like moving from New Zealand to a big city, the things he misses about Dunedin, and the exciting parts of starting again somewhere new. They also compare Australia and New Zealand, talk about travelling, food, city life and the adventures that come with a big move. Along the way, Khirad puts Umair through some fun riddles, Would You Rather choices and a fast rapid-fire round. A warm and lively episode about friendship, change and new beginnings. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - https://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

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Khirad Ahmed meets people from different cultures, backgrounds and all walks of life to talk about the places they’ve been, the experiences that shaped them, and the stories behind who they are.

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