World Refugee Day 2025: Solidarity across Aotearoa New Zealand
16 July 2025
Every year on 20 June, we mark World Refugee Day to honour the courage of millions of people who have been forced to leave their homes. The day is also an opportunity to reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure they are welcomed, included, and supported.
The global theme for this year, “Solidarity with Refugees,” encouraged us to listen, to act, and to ensure that former refugees can thrive in the communities they now call home.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand, events large and small were held to honour refugee-background communities, amplify their voices, and encourage connections. Here’s how communities across the country came together in solidarity.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington
In the capital, ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum hosted a vibrant event at Victoria University on 21 June, supported by New Zealand Red Cross and other agencies. The event brought together refugee-background families and Wellington’s wider community for an afternoon of cultural expression, storytelling, and unity.
Guests enjoyed music, dance, children’s activities, a photo exhibition, and multicultural food. There were powerful speeches from former refugees and leaders in the sector, who reminded attendees of the ongoing importance of inclusion and listening to lived experience.
Parliamentary event
On 24 June, we gathered in the Grand Hall at Parliament to mark World Refugee Day 2025. We were honoured to co-host this event alongside The Honourable Casey Costello, Associate Minister of Immigration.
It was a meaningful morning which brought together refugee-background communities, government leaders, diplomats, and NGOs to honour the journeys, voices, and contributions of people forced to flee their homes.
The Jesuh Khrih Kohhran Youth group performing at World Refugee Day, Parliamentary event on 24 June
The event opened with a warm mihi whakatau by mana whenua, Te Āti Awa – Taranaki Whānui. Our Community Engagement Lead, Aklilu Habteghiorghis, brought lived experience and reflections as MC.
A highlight of the programme was the community panel facilitated by our Pathways to Employment Community Champion Humaira Hakeemi. The panel featured:
- Wahida Zahedi, Christchurch Refugee Steering Committee
- Thidar Nyein, New Zealand Red Cross Wellington Settlement Lead
- Yosief Araya, Eritrean Community Representative
- Tracey White, A board member of the Muaupoko Tribal Authority, representing the Ngati Hine Hapu, located to the north of Punahau (Lake Horowhenua).
Each speaker offered powerful reflections on identity, resilience, and what solidarity looks like in everyday life.
We were privileged to hear meaningful reflections from Karen Gullick from the UNHCR office in Canberra, and New Zealand Red Cross National President John Dyer.
The Jesuh Khrih Kohhran Youth group, whose members arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand from Myanmar as former refugees, performed a song. Their song, Lairam Nuam (Peaceful Land), expressed memories of their once-peaceful homeland and their hope that one day, peace will return to Myanmar.
Ōtautahi | Christchurch
A young girl dancing at the Christchurch event
Christchurch hosted one of the largest regional events at the Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre on 26 June. Our local team joined local refugee service providers to organise the event in support of the New Zealand Police.
Over 150 people attended the event, representing the city’s many diverse communities.
The day featured four cultural performances by refugee-background communities, storytelling, shared kai, and information stalls from community services.
The performances and stories reflected the richness of culture, resilience and heritage that former refugees bring to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ōtepoti | Dunedin
World Refugee Day and Matariki celebration at Araiteuru Marae, Dunedin on 28 June
In Ōtepoti Dunedin, our team and community partners combined World Refugee Day with Matariki to create a truly meaningful gathering at Araiteuru Marae on 28 June.
Guests were welcomed with a pōwhiri, and speeches were shared in both te reo Māori and Arabic, reflecting the blending of Māori culture and culture from refugee backgrounds. Attendees enjoyed kapa haka, Palestinian Dabke, and a farewell performance by Japanese students.
Attendees enjoyed Afghan and Palestinian foods prepared by former refugee families alongside kai provided by community partners. The event ended with a Matariki burning ceremony, where guests offered personal reflections, remembrance, and hopes for the future.
It was a powerful example of multicultural solidarity in practice.
Te Waiharakeke | Blenheim
World Refugee Day event in Blenheim on 4 July
We were delighted to support the World Refugee Day event in Blenheim on 4 July, organised by the Marlborough Multicultural Centre.
Despite the heavy rain outside, Marlborough Youth Trust’s 'My Space' venue was standing room only, filled with warmth and friendship.
Mayor of Marlborough Nadine Taylor opened the evening with a speech affirming Marlborough’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The programme featured vibrant cultural performances from the Colombian and Rohingya communities.
The celebration concluded with everyone sharing delicious, traditional Colombian and Rohingya foods.
Whakaoriori | Masterton
Masterton's first-ever World Refugee Day event on 21 June at the Trust House Recreation Centre
In Masterton, the first-ever World Refugee Day celebration was held on 21 June at the Trust House Recreation Centre. The event was organised largely by youth community leaders from refugee backgrounds.
Over 200 families, friends and guests gathered to "Celebrate Culture Together". The day was filled with vibrant cultural performances, music, storytelling, and delicious free food and pink tea.
Congratulations to the young former refugees and the Wairarapa community for organising the very first World Refugee Day event in Masterton. We were thrilled to see such a wonderful turnout and look forward to this becoming a treasured annual event in the Wairarapa.
The event was a milestone for the region and reflected the growing visibility and confidence of young leaders from refugee backgrounds.
Te Papa-i-Oea | Palmerston North
New Zealand Red Cross special-purpose volunteer recognition during the World Refugee Day event in Palmerston North
On June 21, over 350 people gathered at Barbara Hall in Arena 5, Palmerston North, to acknowledge World Refugee Day. Our local Migration team supported the event, organised by the Manawatu Refugee Resettlement Forum.
The event saw participation from various community members, including about 50 Colombians from Levin.
Red Cross special-purpose volunteers received recognition for their contributions.
The event featured light refreshments and a range of cultural performances, such as music, song, dance, and drama, showcasing the rich diversity. Various information stalls were set up, and activities like face painting, distribution of oral health accessories, and sketch painting for kids added to the day's celebrations.
A highlight of the day was the Colombian group dance, which delighted the audience.
Ngā mihi | Thank you
We are proud to walk alongside former refugees through settlement, employment, mental health, and youth support. In the past year, we have supported more than 1,000 people through our services, working with communities to ensure people feel not just welcomed, but feel at home.
To everyone who helped organise, who attended, performed, or spoke thank you. You’ve helped show that solidarity isn’t just a theme. It’s a movement.
More information
If you would like to volunteer to help former refugees settle in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Learn more about New Zealand Red Cross’ settlement and employment services for former refugees.
Lead image: World Refugee Day 2025 Parliamentary event and our Community Engagement Lead for Migration, Aklilu Habteghiorghis, as MC.