Engage
We engage with refugee youth across Aotearoa, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Through mana-enhancing consultations, community-led initiatives, and collaborative projects, we connect with young refugees in all 13 resettlement locations.
Empower
We empower refugee youth to shape decisions impacting their lives and communities and take charge of their future. We provide leadership development, mentorship, and access to skills and tools that enable them to become confident advocates for their communities and lead positive change.
Advocate
We advocate for the rights and needs of refugee youth at local, national, and international levels. We actively participate in youth-centred planning, policy discussions, and partnerships with key stakeholders. Our advocacy focuses on ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, employment, and social integration opportunities, giving refugee youth a seat at the table and making sure their concerns shape decisions that impact their future.
IMPACT
Refugee Youth Leaders
Our leadership programme develops the skills and confidence of young refugee leaders across New Zealand. These leaders drive change in their communities and represent youth voices in key forums.
Refugee Youth Empowered
Through our initiatives, 3,800 refugee youth have gained opportunities, support, and training, enabling them to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their resettlement journeys.
Social Media Followers
Our growing online community of 4,500 young people stays informed, engaged, and connected through our social media platforms, amplifying refugee youth voices and stories.
Founding of NZNRYC
A group of 15 refugee-background youth had a vision: to create a space by youth, for youth, where their voices would be heard, their unique challenges addressed, and their potential uplifted. With no one else focusing on the critical needs of refugee youth in Aotearoa, they founded the New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council (NZNRYC), committed to leading change for their community.
Official Launch
NZNRYC was officially launched at the New Zealand UNHCR Annual Consultations of NGOs, committing to ensure refugee youth had a voice in shaping their future in Aotearoa.
Invited to Speak at the Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement – Geneva
NZNRYC highlighted the need for meaningful refugee participation, paving the way for broader recognition of refugee voices at the international level.
Youth Voice Canterbury Championing Diversity Award
NZNRYC won the Youth Voice Canterbury Award, recognising our commitment to diversity and refugee youth advocacy.
Membership in the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network
NZNRYC officially became a member of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network, strengthening our role in international advocacy.
Response to COVID-19
During the pandemic, NZNRYC played a critical role in communicating public health messages to refugee youth, leading to a government-funded COVID-19 vaccination awareness project.
Steering Committee Membership – New Zealand Refugee Alliance
NZNRYC became a steering committee member of the New Zealand Refugee Alliance, further enhancing our role in national policy advocacy.
Appointment of Full-Time CEO
I was appointed as the full-time CEO to lead and expand the organisation, strengthening our initiatives and community impact.
Launch of Our First Youth Leadership Programme
NZNRYC launched its first youth leadership programme, equipping refugee youth with the skills to lead and advocate within their communities.
Global Refugee Forum – Geneva
NZNRYC was invited to speak and participate at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, strengthening our presence on the global stage.
Registered as a Charity
NZNRYC officially became registered as a charity under the New Zealand Charities Act.
Co-Designing the National Refugee Resettlement Forum
Invited by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, NZNRYC co-designed and co-led sessions at the 2024 National Refugee Resettlement Forum. Sixteen of our refugee youth leaders facilitated the “Empowering Refugee Youth 101” session, engaging stakeholders in meaningful discussions on critical issues impacting refugee youth in Aotearoa.