"Bariz gifts us his truth-telling, delivered with unwavering optimism."
"Extraordinary. A powerful story of redemption and hope."
"He shows that nothing is impossible.."
"A force of light in those days and weeks and months after the darkness of March 15."
Matt Brown, author of She is Not Your Rehab
Hon Lianne Dalziel CNZM, former Mayor of Christchurch
Meng Foon, Race Relations Commissioner 2019-2023
John Campbell, Journalist - Chief Correspondent at TVNZ
"I connected with him; he was inspirational."
Young Leader, Youth Leadership Summit 2025
PRISON TO PURPOSE
Bariz Shah is a powerful storyteller and community leader whose journey from rebellion and incarceration to national recognition as an emerging leader makes him an unforgettable speaker. Originally from Afghanistan and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand, Bariz’s life has been shaped by questions of identity, resilience, and transformation.
After turning his life around, he pursued Civil and Humanitarian Engineering, authored Beyond Hope, and co-directed Project Fiftyone, a feature documentary released in NZ cinemas in April 2025. Today, he serves as Executive Director of Asturlab and contributes to national advisory groups, advocating for inclusivity and community wellbeing.
Bariz has a rare ability to connect with diverse audiences, whether students, professionals, or policymakers, leaving them inspired with practical insights on leadership, resilience, and building stronger communities. Booking Bariz means offering your audience an authentic, moving, and motivational experience they will carry forward long after the event.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
PRIVATE SCREENING W/ Q&A
WORKSHOP: BEYOND HOPE
Powerful, authentic storytelling that inspires, transforms, and motivates your organization or team.
Cinema screenings available, featuring a Q&A with filmmakers Bariz Shah and Saba Afrasyabi.
ADVISOR
Offering independent advice on community issues, incarceration, and rehabilitation.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY TRAINING
Delivering engaging training sessions to enhance stakeholder understanding of Islam and Muslims.
Interactive workshop on resilience, transformational change, and leadership development.
Beyond Hope
From an Auckland prison to changing lives in Afghanistan
NZ$39.99
A powerful story of how one man didn't let other people define him
'Bariz gifts us his truth-telling, delivered with unwavering optimism.' Matt Brown, author of She Is Not Your Rehab
'Beautifully written. Takes us right inside a young person's life and is ultimately uplifting in the way they take control of that life.' Kathryn Ryan, RNZ Nine to Noon
At age 18, Bariz Shah ended up in an Auckland prison. As an Afghan migrant who was deeply affected by 9/11, Bariz spiralled from schoolyard fights into crime and drugs - until prison made him rethink the story of his life.
Years later, in Christchurch, Bariz had turned everything around when a terrorist walked into the local mosque and took the lives of 51 people in his community. Driven by a new purpose, Bariz and his wife Saba raised money to return to Afghanistan and establish 51 small businesses in honour of those they lost.
In this memoir about finding self-belief, belonging and positive change, Bariz's story reminds us that we always have the power to change ourselves for the better.
'The book is sensitive and insightful about how pain comes into a life and how it lasts.' Phillip Matthews, The Press
'Extraordinary. A powerful story of redemption and hope.' Hon Lianne Dalziel CNZM, former Mayor of Christchurch
'Bariz has been through adversity and emerged with love, care and kindness. He shows that nothing is impossible.' Meng Foon, Race Relations Commissioner 2019-2023