Meet Asma Munir, who has passion for cooking inherited from her mother, and loves designing kitchens and sharing food with friends…
What is your role?
I have worked at Unitec for ten years, and I am currently working as a Research Administrator with Tūāpapa Rangahau (Research and Postgrad Centre). This year, I have enjoyed my diverse working environment from my family home in Karachi, Pakistan, to 14 days in MIQ at Jet Park, to an asbestos-free building 112 and my study, bedroom, lounge, and kitchen in my west Auckland home.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I enjoy cooking a lot. I inhereted the love of cooking from my mum, who is a fantastic cook. I wouldn’t say I like to limit myself to one type of cuisine. I love trying and sharing new recipes, and I usually modify them according to my family and preference.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and brought up in suburban Karachi, Pakistan, known as the “City of Lights” because of its vibrant nightlife. Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and the twelfth largest city in the world. Karachi is located on the coastline of Sindh province in southern Pakistan, along the Karachi Harbour, a natural harbour on the Arabian Sea.
Do you speak any other languages?
Yes, I speak Urdu, which is Pakistan’s national language. Urdu has been called one of the most beautiful languages spoken worldwide; its poetry and music are delightful to listen to. Urdu evolved from Farsi and Arabic during the invasions of the Indian subcontinent in the 11th century. It became widely spoken by the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526) and the Mughal Empire (1526-1858).
My forefathers were from Punjab, India, so I can speak Punjabi very well too. Due to the similarities in the spoken languages, I can also speak and understand Hindi and Fijian Hindi.
Tell us a funny memory from childhood…
Growing up in a family of six siblings, there was never a quiet day in the household. One story that comes to mind was my first lesson of riding a motorbike at the age of 16. My elder brother decided to teach me. He just told me how to use the gears and clutch and sent me on my way. However, due to my evident inexperience, I accelerated and let it go. I watched as the bike sped off without me and crashed into the neighbour’s wall. You can probably assume what came next…
What is your favourite book or movie?
I enjoy watching kids’ animated movies. One of my favourite movies is the very first “Kung Fu Panda” because of the beautiful messages:
- It is OK to be you
- The power you seek outside lies within you
- Live your life for today; there is no past or present
And my favourite quote is;
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift; that is why we call it the present.”
My wonderful family
Whānau you want to brag about?
I am a very proud wife and a mother of three wonderful children: my son Abdullah (22), and my two daughters Hanya (20) and Hira (18). They’re progressing well in their chosen careers. And a special shoutout to my husband, Saleem, who I have been married to for 23 years now. We made New Zealand our home in 2001, and since then, we have achieved so many life goals together and still working towards more. We’re so blessed to have each other.
Tell us an achievement that you’re proud of…
I love DIYs and renovations and have a good sense of interior design. I am proud of designing my dream home kitchen with the help of my husband and son. As a bona fide home cook, having a kitchen that I designed makes the experience of cooking more enjoyable, and every component of the kitchen works perfectly for my needs.
Is there a song that reminds you of a significant time in your life?
I really don’t like to listen to music often, apart from when I’m driving my car. My personal favourite right now is “Sundown” by Six60.
Best concert you’ve ever been to?
The legend Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Shahenshah-e-Qawwali” (the King of Kings of Qawwali) came to our college and sang a few of his famous songs. It was so surreal.
Making woodfired pizza’s at my manager Marcus Williams’ home
What’s your signature dish?
Handmade Roti, Chapati, known as flat bread, is one of my specialities. I erudite the art of making Roti from my mum which I recently showcased in a food demo via Zoom which was part of the online Diwali celebration at Unitec.
With my mother in April 2021
Who do you most admire?
I admire my mum the most. She brought up seven of us (three boys, four girls) on her own while my father was working overseas. I admire her resilience and bravery; she is so strong and never shown any signs of weaknesses. She also managed the household and finances very well. Because of her positive attitude and loving and caring personality, all seven of us graduated with Master’s degrees in different disciplines, and we’re all doing very well in our lives.
Early this year, when I found out that she was not well, I could not hold myself and decided to visit her. I beat all the odds and managed to get a MIQ voucher. The whole journey feels so surreal now. It seems like it was in my destiny, my love for her was so powerful so the whole world helped me and made it easy for me.