A chance for a fresh start
When Farahnaz Fasihi returned to pursue a Master of International Trade (MInTr) at the Faculty of Law, she was determined to make the most of the opportunity. Returning to full-time study as a mature student with family responsibilities is no small feat—and doing so in a second language required grit and determination. For Farahnaz, graduation marks not just a personal achievement, but also opens up a world of new professional opportunities and a fresh start for her family.
Farahnaz grew up in Tehran, Iran, where she studied civil engineering and built a successful 20-year career working on major infrastructure projects, particularly in the water and wastewater sectors.
After losing her husband to COVID-19 in 2020, Farahnaz sought a fresh start for her family. Her sister, who had been living in Aotearoa New Zealand for over a decade, often spoke of her admiration for Aotearoa’s peaceful lifestyle, strong sense of community, and natural beauty. “She told me how people live in harmony here, with a relaxed pace of life.”
The desire to give her children a safe, stable environment motivated Farahnaz to leave Iran and move to New Zealand.
“My sons are a big source of motivation in my life, and I wanted them to grow up in a clean, eco-friendly country, surrounded by nature—a place where they could heal and thrive,” she says.
Having decided to retrain, Farahnaz discovered the MInTr programme— a multidisciplinary programme integrating legal, economic, political, and cultural insights.
“I became deeply interested in how law intersects with global trade and economic development. The structure of the Master’s, which blends legal and economic perspectives, aligned perfectly with my academic curiosity and professional ambitions.”
With guidance and support from Professor Susy Frankel FRSNZ, Farahnaz transitioned into the Master’s and began her studies in 2023.
“I was determined to make the most of this opportunity, and I was fortunate to have incredibly supportive lecturers and peers who helped me succeed.”
Farahnaz describes her postgraduate experience at the Faculty of Law as an enriching and intellectually stimulating one. She particularly appreciated the academic rigour, the focus on open discussion and critical analysis, and the truly supportive environment.
“The teaching here helped me gain a deeper understanding of global legal frameworks. One of my best memories was completing my final paper and realising how much I had grown in my understanding of international trade law.”
Although her professional background is not directly related to international trade, the MIntTr programme provided Farahnaz with valuable knowledge and confidence. She now feels well-equipped to contribute to policy development, legal research, or roles involving international cooperation.
“Through the programme, I learned how to critically analyse legal texts and trade agreements from legal, political, and social perspectives,” she says. “This helped me develop a more global and nuanced understanding of international economic relations and human rights issues.”
Farahnaz successfully completed the programme in record time, giving her a deep sense of accomplishment and confidence. Farahnaz is looking forward to continuing to explore professional opportunities here in New Zealand that combine her legal knowledge with her engineering and project management experience—particularly in areas related to sustainability, international cooperation, or infrastructure governance.
Farahnaz’ message to anyone considering postgraduate study in Law is to keep an open mind. She believes that with dedication and the right mentorship, it is possible to successfully transition into new fields—even without prior direct experience.
“Even if you do not have a legal background in your career, with dedication, the right support, and a genuine interest in learning, you can overcome challenges and thrive in new academic or professional environments.”
Outside of her studies, Farahnaz spends time with her two sons, enjoys wonderful Iranian cuisine, and volunteers with community organisations supporting children.
She hopes to build a future here in New Zealand with her two sons. “I want my children to have access to great education and opportunities, and for us to contribute meaningfully to this beautiful, welcoming country—especially to the Māori community, whose warmth and generosity have moved me.”