Albany Newcomers Network

Once known as Oteha, Albany was an important meeting place for Maori who lived in the area, or passed through travelling north/south or along Lucas Creek (known as Te Wharau). North of Auckland City, Albany is home to 30000 people, the centre of Albany includes a wide variety of retail, commercial, community, and recreation environments for the community.

The Albany Newcomers group has recently started & would love you to join them, please come & make some new friends!

Co-ordinator - Uzra Casuri-Balouch

As an Albany resident, Uzra brings a genuine passion and enthusiasm for her community to her new role as the Albany Newcomers Network Co-ordinator.Uzra holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Psychology as well as a Masters in Applied Psychology.She has worked in numerous people focussed organisations both overseas and here in New Zealand and the last six as a successful Real Estate Consultant in Albany. She is also the Settling In and Community Coordinator for Albany.

Uzra believes it is time to weave a new korowai, a new Albany brand which celebrates aspects of all the cultures and the people who call Albany home. She remembers when she arrived as a newcomer to Albany and can relate to your experiences as a new arrival here. Uzra is looking forward to welcoming newcomers to the Albany area and ensuring they settle well, feel connected, and are valued in their new community. Uzra is based at Albany House at 575 Albany Highway Albany. Please feel free to drop in on Tuesday afternoons for chat and coffee.