​Business mentorship brings Peace fulfilment

The path to a new life is often strewn with excitement and challenges; a new place, new people, and customs to get to know.

It can be scary. Peace Abaroh has experienced all those things: hope, uncertainty and support.

From Eastern Nigeria to Central Otago, his new beginning has taken him on a journey that led to a business mentorship and put him on the path of personal and professional fulfilment.

Peace arrived in Alexandra on 9 September 2023 to reunite with his wife, Francisca, who had secured employment at Ranui Rest Home under the skilled worker residency pathway five months earlier.

Education featured highly in his upbringing.

“I am the youngest of six siblings – my mother is a retired headmistress,” Peace said, “and my father is a retired inspector of education.”

Despite his family’s strong presence in education, Peace chose to follow the health sciences.

“I feel passionate about saving lives.”

He completed a Higher National Diploma in Dental Technology — a four-year programme — at the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy Trans-ekulu Enugu in Nigeria. Following graduation and a one-year internship, Peace undertook his mandatory national youth service as a Dental Technician. This service is a civic duty commonly undertakenby Nigerian graduates, contributing their skills to the nation for one year. During academic breaks, he worked with his uncle in a family-owned pharmaceutical business, an experience that helped nurture his entrepreneurial spirit.

Identifying strongly with the enterprising reputation of the Igbo people, Peace has long felt drawn to business. In 2019, while continuing to work as a dental technician, he opened a small pharmaceutical shop—merging his commitment to healthcare with his growing business acumen.

However, upon arriving in New Zealand, Peace encountered unexpected barriers in pursuing his professional credentials. He found the licensing process for dental technicians to be both complex and financially prohibitive. These challenges led to moments of doubt, as he questioned whether his decision to migrate was the right one. With limited pathways forward, he now stands at a crossroads: should he re-train as a dental technician under New Zealand's system, or explore a new professional direction in pharmacy?

Despite these uncertainties, Peace remains hopeful and deeply appreciative of the support he has received in his new community.

“I love it here,” he said. “People are willing to help and extend friendship.”

His desire to establish a business of his own remains strong, and he believes that pursuing this goal will allow him to feel truly settled and fulfilled.

In recognition of his aspirations, Peace has been matched with a mentor through a collaborative initiative between Welcoming Communities, Business Mentors New Zealand, and Business South. Peace describes the mentorship as timely:

“I am grateful and most appreciative for the business mentorship – it makes me feel at home away from home. I feel welcomed and a part of this community.”

He said the insights gained so far have already shaped his understanding of the next steps in his journey, both professionally and personally.

Peace’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and optimism, and illustrates the powerful role that mentorship and community support can play in turning challenges into opportunities.

• Business Mentors NZ is a not-for-profit organisation, supported by Business South in the Otago region, dedicated to nurturing business growth nationwide through one-to-one business mentoring. If you are interested in being supported by a Business Mentor, click HERE.