Zahra Shahtahmasebi

Guest writer

Zahra Shahtahmasebi is a journalist currently working in the not-for-profit space. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, she predominantly writes on politics and health, with personal interest in women’s health. She was awarded the nib Health Journalism Scholarship - junior at the Voyager Media Awards in 2021 and runner up for the Le Mana Pacific Award in 2023.

The teams from Hāpu Wānanga ki Taranaki and Miscarriage Matters (Photos: Supplied)

Breaking the silence: Changing how we view miscarriage, one conversation at a time

It's a topic that New Zealand could be much better informed about, and the first step is to normalise talking about it.

By Zahra Shahtahmasebi | 6th December, 2023

Image: Tina Tiller

The silence of miscarriage

Between 13,000 and 15,000 people experience a miscarriage in New Zealand every year and yet many don't speak about it.

By Zahra Shahtahmasebi | 5th December, 2023

The respective health spokespeople of National and Labour, Shane Reti and Ayesha Verrall (Photos: Getty Images; design Archi Banal)

Who’s better placed to build the health system of tomorrow?

Labour and National's prospective health ministers lay out their plans.

By Zahra Shahtahmasebi | 2nd October, 2023

Image: Archi Banal

‘It’s a bloody mess’: Six people on what they wish everyone knew about periods

From an athlete to a women's health expert to a mum, we asked for the period advice people wish they knew earlier.

By Zahra Shahtahmasebi | 5th September, 2023

Image: Archi Banal

What does the government’s new women’s health strategy actually offer?

A lot of vision, not a lot of action – yet.

By Zahra Shahtahmasebi | 17th July, 2023

Boxers Lani Daniels (left) and Alrie Meleisea (Photos: Combat Sport Network NZ; design Archi Banal)

Doing it for whānau and ‘aiga: The wāhine facing off for the world heavyweight title

Tomorrow night, an international title will be contested by two New Zealand-born boxers for the first time.

By Zahra Shahtahmasebi | 26th May, 2023