About us
About the New Zealand National
Refugee Youth council
The New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council (NZNRYC) is the only national, refugee-background, youth-led organisation in Aotearoa. We are by refugee background youth for refugee background youth. We are dedicated to engaging, advocating for, and empowering young people across New Zealand’s 13 resettlement locations. Our work ensures that refugee youth have the support and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed in their new lives in Aotearoa.
Mission
We engage, empower, and advocate for refugee background youth in Aotearoa, ensuring their voices shape policies, decisions, and opportunities that affect their lives. Through leadership, collaboration, and holistic youth development, we create pathways for refugee youth to thrive and contribute to society.
Purpose
Our purpose is to champion the rights, well-being, and inclusion of refugee background youth in New Zealand. We bridge the gap between refugee youth and decision-makers, offering platforms for meaningful engagement, and ensuring that our community-led initiatives contribute to positive resettlement, social integration, and future success.
Vision
Aotearoa where refugee background youth are fully empowered to realise their potential, respected for their diverse backgrounds, and actively engaged in shaping an inclusive, equitable, and supportive society.
Our values
Core Areas of Focus
Leadership Development
Empowering refugee youth to become leaders in their communities through targeted programmes.
Advocacy
Engaging with decision-makers on local, national, and international levels to influence policies that impact refugee youth and their communities.
Training
Providing training to help professionals better understand and engage with refugee-background youth, ensuring tailored and effective support.
Youth-Led Projects
Supporting refugee youth to lead initiatives that address community challenges and foster a sense of belonging.