We stand with refugee background youth across Aotearoa so they can lead the way. We listen to what they need, help them build their skills, and work alongside them to make sure their voices actually matter in the decisions that affect their futures.
We connect young people with the people who make the rules. By putting youth in charge of their own projects, we make sure they have a real say in how they settle into New Zealand and build their lives here.
An Aotearoa where every young person from a refugee background has the respect and support they need to shape the world around them.
We are forward-thinking and adaptive, creating new solutions to the unique challenges refugee youth face. Through innovation, we ensure our initiatives are impactful and responsive.
We are dedicated to the long-term success and well-being of refugee youth. Our commitment ensures that we continuously work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for all.
Our passion fuels everything we do. We are driven by a shared purpose to uplift refugee-background youth and create lasting, meaningful change in their lives.
We stand strong in the face of challenges, advocating for the rights and needs of refugee-background youth. Courage drives us to lead change and to speak up, even when it's difficult.
See how we started out and follow the steps that got us to where we are today.
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.
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.
NZNRYC highlighted the need for meaningful refugee participation, paving the way for broader recognition of refugee voices at the international level.
NZNRYC won the Youth Voice Canterbury Award, recognising our commitment to diversity and refugee youth advocacy.
NZNRYC officially became a member of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network, strengthening our role in international advocacy.
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.
NZNRYC became a steering committee member of the New Zealand Refugee Alliance, further enhancing our role in national policy advocacy.
Daniel Gamboa was appointed as the full-time CEO to lead and expand the organisation, strengthening our initiatives and community impact.
NZNRYC launched its first youth leadership programme, equipping refugee youth with the skills to lead and advocate within their communities.
NZNRYC was invited to speak and participate at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, strengthening our presence on the global stage.
NZNRYC officially became registered as a charity under the New Zealand Charities Act.
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.
NZNRYC continues to grow and expand its impact, working tirelessly to empower refugee youth and create lasting change across Aotearoa.
Take a look at how we operate and see the real changes happening in communities across Aotearoa.
We can't do this alone. Reach out to see how you can get involved and help us support young people across Aotearoa.
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