About Us
Canterbury Kia Ora Academy
Who we are:
Welcome to KiaOra Academy, We are a passionate yet small core team located in New Zealand’s South Island. In Christchurch Canterbury mostly, as well as beyond, we run in-person and online events that foster a sense of community and lifelong learning. It is easy to do what you love when you are backed by a team! Here is our team
Dr. Hero Modares
Founder, Director
Dr. Hero Modares
Director – Canterbury Kia Ora Academy
Senior Network Engineer | Community Advocate | Cultural Leader
Trustee – Plains Media | Producer – Radio Toranj NZ
Dr. Hero Modares is a passionate advocate for equity, education, and empowerment, with a strong commitment to community development and multicultural engagement.
She is the Director of Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust based in Christchurch that supports ethnic communities through educational programs, cultural events, and wellbeing initiatives. Under her leadership, the Academy has delivered hundreds of workshops, webinars, and festivals promoting diversity, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
Alongside her community work, Hero is a Senior Network Engineer at Kiwibank. She also serves as the Vice President of the Christchurch Multicultural Council and is a long-standing member of the Immigration Community Reference Group (CRG). She is a trustee of Plains Media, Canterbury’s community access radio station, and produces content for Radio Toranj NZ, a Farsi-language program on Plainsmedia.org.nz focused on community voices, cultural topics, and current affairs.
Hero’s work has earned wide recognition. She received a Ministry of Health Award for Outstanding Community Support for her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her ongoing commitment to inclusion, empathy, and fairness was also recognised with the Christchurch Civic Award in 2020.
In addition, she has received several leadership awards acknowledging her contributions to both the IT sector and her extensive community work.
A devoted animal lover, Hero shares her home with two beloved pets: Tashu, her cheerful bird often heard chirping during online meetings and phone calls, and Tasha, her affectionate cat who brings warmth and comfort to her daily life. She is a firm believer in the emotional and mental health benefits of animal companionship and actively supports zoo therapy as a tool for wellbeing and healing.
Fluent in multiple languages and deeply rooted in her Kurdish heritage, Hero is known for her tireless dedication, inclusive leadership, and unique ability to bring people together across cultures and communities.
Laura Gartner
Trustee, Secretory
Laura Gartner
Community Development Coordinator
Contractor – Audio Editing & Training Services
Laura is driven by a deep commitment to social justice, community connection, and helping people access the support they need to thrive.
She currently works as a Community Development Worker for Te Whare Roimata, supporting residents in the Inner City East of Christchurch. Additionally, she serves as an Age Friendly Researcher and Support Worker for the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board.
With a strong background in media, Laura is also an award-winning audio producer. She spent over a decade at PlainsFM in Ōtautahi Christchurch—first as a Technical Producer and then as the Content Coordinator for eight years.
Laura is now the Technical Director at Edition Audiobooks, a production company specializing in audiobooks, and she continues to offer contract services in video and podcast editing.
Passionate about uplifting others, Laura thrives on meeting new people and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Our Practice
Radio Toranj
Your Window into Persian Society, Culture, and Comedy
Webinar
Unlocking Knowledge Anywhere, Anytime with Kia Ora’s Webinar
Departments
Kia Ora’s Commitment to Art, Health, Sport, and Education
Events
Experience the Magic of Iranian Traditions and More.