When Ingrid Viafara Liu arrived in New Zealand in 2018, she brought with her more than a suitcase. She carried years of resilience marked by hardship and a dream to build a new life filled with opportunity and peace.

She hoped to leave behind the instability and fear that had followed her across borders and years. What she did not expect was how much courage and healing she would still need to rebuild her life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our 94th National Council Annual General Meeting is on 8 November in Wellington.

On Thursday 27 November, our Wellington Service Centre at 39 Webb Street will move to Red Cross House at 69 Molesworth Street.

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. Across Aotearoa New Zealand, events large and small were held to honour refugee-background communities, amplify their voices, and encourage connections.

Hamdi Kalif’s story is one of transformation: from a young girl in a refugee camp to a woman now helping others navigate their new lives in Aotearoa. She has turned hardship into hope – not just for herself, but for many new Kiwis.