Refugee Advisory Panel
The Refugee Advisory Panel works to support government decision-makers and policy developers on matters impacting refugees in New Zealand.
The purpose of the panel is to:
- provide former refugees in New Zealand an opportunity to participate in the development of refugee settlement strategies and policies in an effective and meaningful manner
- ensure former refugee interests, perspectives and knowledge inform and influence strategic direction and policies on regional, national and international refugee issues
- include former refugees in relevant New Zealand government delegations.
Refugees Seeking Equal Access at the Table (R-SEAT)
Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies (CAPRS)
Role of the Refugee Advisory Panel
As a panel member you will use your skills to:
- ensure decision-making is informed from the perspective of former refugees
- provide advice and feedback on international, regional and national refugee issues
- advise on the development of refugee policies, programmes and strategies
- identify and actively take part in work that improves the lives of refugees in New Zealand.
Panel members
| Name | Location | Date appointed |
|---|---|---|
| Nada Haroura | Ōtepoti (Dunedin) | 1 July 2025 |
| Abrarullah Saleh | Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) | 1 July 2025 |
| Liaquat Ali Changezi | Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) | 1 July 2025 |
| Sara Ahmad | Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) | 1 July 2025 |
| Nimo Ahmed | Whangārei | 1 July 2025 |
| Beth Ketema | Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) | 1 July 2025 |
| Jane Smith | Ōtautahi (Christchurch) | 13 March 2024 |
| Jose Tombe | Pōneke (Wellington) | 13 March 2024 |