We are thrilled to celebrate our colleague, friend, and Co-Director Rez Gardi, who has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her services to refugees and human rights advocacy.
Rêz’s courage, vision, and tireless work have transformed refugee participation globally, and her leadership continues to inspire across borders.
As Co-Director and one of the Co- Founders of CAPRS, Rêz helps lead work that centres lived experience in academic research and policymaking. Through initiatives like Refugees SEAT and Empower, she has championed refugee-led advocacy, education, and justice from community mentorship to advising UN bodies on refugee governance.
This honour recognises her powerful contributions in shaping more inclusive systems—from the UN to Aotearoa.
We couldn’t be prouder to work alongside you, Rêz. Thank you for the integrity, determination, and clarity of purpose you bring to everything you do. 💛
Ngā mihi nui and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.