Sabry
“I’m originally from Egypt. My wife is Filipino, she got a job offer as a nurse. Then I decided to come to visit. So I visited, but I never went back.
I just like the environment, like the people. We came here, maybe, in 2005. I come from an Arabic background, so of course, the language was my first problem here. Even if I tried to understand, I can't catch one word. I had to study, and listen to news, music, whatever. I can talk to people, I don't feel shy.
In the beginning, I didn't have a business. I used to work for another shop. I used to study English because my English wasn't good enough. I used to work at night, study full time in the morning. Then after three years, I was able to speak and understand English, so I started my business in Ferry Road. My first shop opened in 2012 at Ferry Road under Sabry’s Souvlaki. Then my second shop was, I think, Redwood, then Wairakei Road, Hornby, Papanui then the city centre.
Around 2019, the first one was in Hereford Street. I love the city. I did get the chance to open in different areas, but no, I don't know. I just like the city. This location, High Street, it's very nice. I like the people. We got support from the office workers. I like my neighbours. I like the city too much!
Even the homeless are friendly to me. I know most of them, I support them with whatever they need. I just help them. You can't just fight or ignore them, you have to be part of that community as well.
We also have a bubble tea shop, Boba Time. But my wife, she handles it. I don't know what I think about bubble tea, because it's a different culture, but I know about kebab and souvlaki!
I have four boys, three born here. One of them is studying as a doctor. You have to spend time with family as well. My oldest kids live outside the city, so as soon as they come home, we make dinner, talk about family, you know, to be connected, we're close family, and we keep our culture as well.
What we miss, unfortunately, is the cathedral. This is the first thing I saw when I arrived. I went inside many times. It was amazing. Hopefully it will come back one day.”
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What's your best cost-saving tip?
Just when we thought the cost of living couldn't climb any higher...it does. While things like fuel prices are out of our control, many of us are looking for small, practical ways to stretch our dollars a bit further. So let’s put our heads together!
Over the next little while, we’ll be sharing tips to help you save money — and we’d love to hear yours too. What’s working for you right now?
Here are a few ideas to get started:
🎉 Plan ahead for the year (birthdays, events, travel) to avoid surprise costs
🪙 Check out $2 shops for everyday items like stationery, baking paper, foil, and cling wrap - often much cheaper than the supermarket
🐖 Bring back the piggy bank and save your loose change
🔨 DIY where you can - like mowing the lawn instead of paying someone
💵 Set a daily budget before heading out and stick to it (cash can help!)
🧴 Stretch household products by diluting things like shampoo or dishwashing liquid
Got a tip that’s helping you save? Share it below, the tip might make a huge difference to someone else.
Poll: Is it okay to grocery shop in your PJs?
I'm sure you've seen it while doing your weekly shop... In fact, it may have even been you.
What do you think about people heading to the supermarket in their pyjamas?
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15.3% It's fine!
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76.7% It's questionable
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7.9% Other - I'll share below
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