Muslim mum and Ashburton farmer celebrate an unlikely friendship

A love of the outdoors has brought Noraini Abbas-Milne and Peter Reveley together in their mission to get others out in the fresh air.

The pair are part of a Canterbury campaign, InCommon, encouraging people to connect with others from different backgrounds to learn how differences are only skin deep.

A billboard campaign is being launched in the city on Thursday sharing the message and to help develop social cohesion and a richer cultural understanding.

Abbas-Milne, whose 14-year-old son Sayyad was killed in the terror attacks, wants people to understand and celebrate differences so there is no fear or hate.

Putting her hands out while walking among the autumn leaves at Christchurch's Hagley Park, Abbas-Milne said it was the fresh air and the ability to forget all her worries that she loved about the outdoors.

Growing up in Singapore with five boys in her family, she was a “tomboy” who always loved being outside.

Since first arriving in New Zealand 26 years ago she said she has noticed a big increase in diversity, something that was normal where she grew up.

“We can understand about our differences, and we should not be afraid.”

The cycling and tramping-loving mother met Reveley through his social worker daughter, and the pair have teamed up to give Muslim groups – one of children and one of mothers – an escape from city life once a month at his Mt Somers farm.

It has since become a retreat for the pair, and a place of common ground.

“We love people and we loved goodness, and we want to have these children enjoy the outdoors and enjoy nature,” Abbas-Milne said.

Reveley said the two “just seemed to hit it off pretty well”.

They had similar interests, but they continue to learn from each other.

“She’s a bit of a special lady, that one.”

Giving groups the “full farm experience” and getting to know other people had enriched his life, he said, along with his relatives’.

As well as engaging with farm animals and machinery, there are climbing frames, rope swings, a 75-metre flying fox, beehives to watch, and kayaking on the farm stream to occupy groups during overnight retreats.

“It’s a very relaxing place, [I say] ‘just go and be yourself’.”

They both believe fresh air – even sitting having a picnic in wide-open spaces – is good for getting a fresh perspective.

“They feel free for the day, and they just can’t wait to get back again,” Reveley said.

“You get a fair bit of a kick out of somebody with sad eyes that you can see happy again.”

InCommon was created in response to the Christchurch mosque attack by Cantabrians who wanted to ensure the unity created in the wake of the tragedy did not end.

Spokeswoman Lana Hart said the initiative encouraged people to connect with others who they might initially think are different to themselves.

“It’s really about encouraging our community to continue the journey of inclusivity across all faiths, cultures and ethnicities.”

People told its researchers that even something as simple as receiving a smile, having a chat or returning a friendly greeting went a long way towards making people feel welcome – strengthening their connection to their community.

Cantabrians from different cultures and backgrounds were quizzed on their interests and values.

Those with commonalities were then paired up and will feature on Christchurch street posters, billboards, and in social media from Thursday. 

FIND OUT MORE on the In Common website