The Dunedin food scientist and Radio Toranj presenter has spent the past 18 months recording 10 radio podcast shows with Araiteuru Marae manager Tania Williams, which observe Māori culture through Persian eyes.
Dr Amini said the show aimed to trigger curiosity and a better understanding of Māori culture, language, beliefs, history, stories and music, and was now being broadcast nationally and internationally on Thursdays.
"This is a conversation initiated by me as an inquisitive immigrant, who also has a rich but underrated history as a Persian.
"I was interested in hearing Tania’s viewpoint about the different aspects of her life.
"This is a great opportunity for sharing the attributes of New Zealand indigenous people with music and untold stories."
The project is supported by the Kia Ora Academy and received funding from the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.
Dr Amini had always been fascinated by different cultures’ viewpoints, but when he came to New Zealand to do his doctorate in food science, it propagated his interest.
"My curiosity kept growing and I wanted to know more about New Zealand and its people."
Earlier this year, Dr Amini’s radio show was selected as a finalist in the New Zealand Radio Awards best access radio programme category.
It was the first time a radio programme broadcast in Farsi had been selected as a finalist in a New Zealand radio competition.
He planned to continue the project in another season by connecting other nationalities and cultures, he said.
