Migration Advisory Group (MAG)
The Migration Advisory Group (MAG) is a voluntary group that provides feedback and insight to help improve the effectiveness of services and strengthen connections between New Zealand Red Cross and refugee-background communities.
The group’s advice and insight help our National Board, Migration service and employees to receive feedback from former refugees and improve the effectiveness of our support to asylum seekers, former refugees and their families in their transition into New Zealand society in accordance with the New Zealand Refugee Resettlement Strategy.
MAG raises awareness about community issues and communicates about areas of need within refugee-background communities to help New Zealand Red Cross respond to humanitarian needs.
The MAG members are from diverse backgrounds and represent geographical, ethnic, gender and age groups within refugee background communities in Aotearoa | New Zealand. Our MAG members have a wide range of knowledge of current refugee resettlement processes. They are experts in areas such as education, youth, disability and health and wellbeing.
The group can have up to 10 members serving three-year terms. Additional members may be appointed temporarily to provide expertise or perspectives on specific issues when needed.
Hear from members
Person one (Nasrat Hamid): The Migration Advisory Group is within Red Cross. So it has 10 members from all across Aotearoa New Zealand. They all come from a refugee background or from diaspora communities. They are actively part of the community, and also, on the other hand, they understand well the process of settlement. So, they're well known within their communities. As a MAG member, we are bridging the gaps, which means um we are bringing up the communities' or the whanau’s challenges and issues to the Red Cross National Board team, as well as to the permanent staff, to think about it uh to how to provide more support to whanau.
Person two (Bhoj Raj Subba): Several times we have a face-to-face conference or meeting with our member groups, and also, sometimes we have online meetings with our member groups. So that way it makes us, makes me familiar with different members from the different communities. I learn from them, or whatever I have learned, I tend to share with them, and that way we always, I think, that's giving way to the development of our interpersonal skills also.
Person one (Nasrat Hamid): Have you ever wanted to give back to your community? Our communities are strongest when we support each other. So, if you are from a refugee or diaspora background and want to make a difference, join our volunteer group. Together, we support our whanau and help newcomers settle and feel connected. So, if this sounds like you, we would love to have you with us.
Current members
Nasrat is the chairperson of the Migration Advisory Group at the New Zealand Red Cross. Originally from Afghanistan, he is currently pursuing a Master of Health Science at the University of Otago. Nasrat also supports students at the Canterbury Medical Library. Since arriving in Aotearoa in early 2022, he has been passionate about contributing to New Zealand's health sector, with a focus on the unique needs of migrant and refugee communities. Resilient and driven, he embraces the opportunities in Ōtautahi, striving for a brighter, healthier future for all.
Bhoj, a former Bhutanese refugee resettled in New Zealand since 2016, leads the Bhutanese Society of Nelson. He actively participates in community activities and works as a Cultural and Language Assistant at English Language Partners, helping vulnerable adult former refugees and migrants. Recently, he took on the role of Nelson Coordinator for refugee driving lessons. With a Master's in IT from India and a Graduate Diploma from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Bhoj enjoys painting and eastern music. His artworks reflect his memories of Bhutan and Nepal. He is dedicated to supporting the elderly and encouraging youth to take on community responsibilities.
Mirza, a 23-year-old Pakistani, arrived in New Zealand in 2022 as a refugee from Malaysia, seeking new opportunities. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, he emphasises peace, compassion, and service. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering, Mirza is passionate about mechanics and engages actively in community service. He organises monthly food donations, promotes blood donation campaigns, and runs bookstalls titled “Ask Me Anything About Muslims” to foster understanding. An avid badminton player, Mirza competed at the state level in Malaysia and continues to play in New Zealand. He is excited to further his education and contribute positively to his community and the automotive field.
Musafiri, born in 1987 in Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo, holds a diploma in social work. He led the Congolese community in Mafikeng, South Africa from 2012 to January 2024. Since August 2024, Musafiri has volunteered as a Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) with the New Zealand Red Cross in Invercargill. He initially relocated to South Africa as a refugee due to security concerns and later resettled in New Zealand through the UNHCR refugee quota program. Enthusiastic and passionate about helping others, Musafiri is dedicated to making a positive impact.
Huda was born in Damascus, Syria, and lived peacefully with her family until the war disrupted their lives. In 2015, after her father's death due to the conflict, she moved to Lebanon and later resettled in New Zealand in 2016 with her mother, sister, and brother. Currently studying law and economics at Otago University, Huda has made Ōtepoti her second home. Despite facing many challenges, she has persevered, gaining valuable insights from her experiences. She is deeply committed to addressing the issues faced by refugees and making a positive impact in her community.
Ingrid joined the Red Cross Migration Advisory Group in 2025. Originally from Colombia, Ingrid arrived in New Zealand in 2018 as a refugee and brings lived experience, resilience, and strong advocacy skills to her role. She holds a double degree in Political Science and International Relations from Victoria University of Wellington and currently works as a teacher aide in an intermediate school. Ingrid is passionate about supporting young people to build confidence and independence and aspires to become a qualified teacher.
Yosief Araya joined the Red Cross Migration Advisory Group in 2025. Born in Sudan and originally from Eritrea, Yosief moved to New Zealand in 2016 and holds a bachelor's degree in information technology. He is actively involved in the Eritrean community in Wellington, contributing to youth initiatives, cultural events, and settlement support for newly arrived refugees. Yosief currently serves as Secretary of the Eritrean Community in Wellington.
Shakila is a former refugee from Afghanistan who resettled in New Zealand in 2014 through the asylum programme. A dedicated mother and active community volunteer, she has contributed to organisations such as the Red Cross, English Language Partners, and HOW2 as a former Refugee Health Navigator. Shakila is passionate about supporting her community, building connections, and creating a better future for her family.