Current NZRAP Members

Abrar Saleh arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand 17 years ago after being born in India, where Abrar’s parents had sought safety following the civil war in their homeland, Afghanistan. Abrar is an intern psychologist and experienced mental health advocate with over a decade of commitment to supporting refugee and migrant communities across the country. Lived experience gives Abrar a deep understanding of the challenges faced by displaced communities. 

Abrar holds a Master of Science in Psychology from Massey University and is currently completing an internship as part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice at Massey University, working in an early intervention service supporting tamariki and whānau. Previously, Abrar served as Service Manager for the Refugee Wellbeing Support Service at Auckland Resettlement, leading community-based mental health initiatives, facilitating youth and focus groups, and delivering mental health training to refugee and wider communities. 

Abrar’s expertise includes trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, youth development, and community empowerment. Abrar is dedicated to advancing equity and amplifying refugee voices across Aotearoa. 

Jane Smith is deeply committed to supporting children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma backgrounds in their education and learning journey. She holds a postgraduate certificate in health science with a mental health endorsement from the University of Otago, and a postgraduate diploma in education from the University of Canterbury. With a diverse background in humanitarian work, including roles with UNICEF, the International Labour Organization, and various NGOs, Jane is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the University of Auckland.

As a survivor of domestic violence and a Convention Refugee, Jane prioritises providing a nurturing and secure environment for her two children in Aotearoa, New Zealand. She works part-time, supporting neurodiverse learners and tutoring ESOL students while serving on the Sparklers Advisory Board, an organisation focused on promoting well-being and mental health in New Zealand schools.

Jane advocates for inclusive and culturally safe educational environments, believing every child deserves equal opportunities for academic success. She fosters empathy, understanding, and individualised support to help students overcome trauma and thrive academically, striving to ensure that every child reaches their full potential. Jane joined the NZRAP in March 2024.

Jose Tombe, an Industrial Engineer, currently working as a senior adviser for the Ministry of Education New Zealand, is a former refugee and a dedicated advocate for refugee rights and empowerment. Arriving in New Zealand as an asylum seeker in 2020 from Colombia, he worked tirelessly in Colombia to upskill young people from vulnerable communities, providing education and mentoring to help them become entrepreneurs. Over a decade, Jose collaborated with government agencies, non-profits, and universities, mentoring innovation and entrepreneurship methodologies to various audiences.

In New Zealand, Jose gained firsthand experience navigating immigration processes and understands the challenges refugees face. He was selected to be sponsored to participate in the skilled migrant programme at Victoria University of Wellington. This programme is highly competitive and assists skilled migrants in transitioning to their professional fields in New Zealand. Jose also volunteered as a communication facilitator for the Ministry of Ethnic Communities during the pandemic, advising on fit-for-purpose strategies for the refugee community.

Jose is a highly motivated individual with a proven track record of successfully organising and executing organisation-level strategic planning and reporting processes. His background in New Zealand involves providing strategic and business process advice across various government agencies such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Ethnic Communities, and Ministry of Social Development. Committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, particularly the refugee rainbow community, Jose aspires to leverage his leadership to advocate for policies promoting economic inclusion and integration into New Zealand society. Jose joined the NZRAP in March 2024.

Liaquat Changezi is the Executive Director of the Refugee Orientation Centre Trust (ROC Trust) in Hamilton, where he has led transformative initiatives supporting former refugees and ethnic migrants for over six years. He also serves as President of the Hazara Association of New Zealand, supporting the Hazara community in navigating their settlement journey and integration into New Zealand society.

A recipient of the Hamilton Civic Award, Liaquat is widely recognised for his dedication to building inclusive and resilient communities. As a Justice of the Peace, he has served the public for the past three years.

Deeply committed to youth empowerment, he advocates not only for rights but also for responsibility, encouraging young people to become accountable, contributing citizens.

Prior to his work in New Zealand, he founded refugee learning centres in Indonesia. Liaqat brings lived experience, strategic leadership, and a values-driven approach to his role on the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel.

Nada Haroura is originally from Damascus, Syria, Nada arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2016 as a refugee alongside her mother and siblings. Settling in Dunedin, she faced the challenges of adapting to a completely new environment, including learning a new language and navigating unfamiliar systems.

Now an active and passionate young leader within the refugee community, Nada is currentl pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Intercultural Community Development and Applied Translation.

Deeply committed to supporting others in their settlement journeys, she works as a Settlement Youth Worker with the New Zealand Red Cross and as an Arabic interpreter for Te Whatu Ora Southern. She is also part of a collaborative effort with fellow former refugees to establish a youth-led committee focused on representation and leadership. Nada is particularly interested in youth advocacy and is part of a group of former refugee youth working to establish a platform that addresses the challenges faced by their peers in Dunedin. She is also a member of the Multiethnic Young Leaders NZ network.

Through her lived experience and professional roles, Nada continues to uplift youth and ethnic communities, advocating for inclusion, wellbeing, and meaningful representation.

Nimo Ahmed is a passionate advocate for refugee women and girls, originally from Somalia. With years of experience in community leadership, she leads The Sisterhood, a refugee women-led organization in Indonesia that she co-founded. The organization provides safe spaces, livelihood support, wellness programs, and advocacy training to empower refugee women to build confidence and take on leadership roles within their communities.

Since 2023, Nimo has been based in New Zealand, becoming the first refugee to resettle in sunny Whangārei through the Community Sponsorship Programme. She continues her commitment to equity, inclusion, and refugee rights as a service board member of Host International Aotearoa, and as a member of the Association for Women’s Rights in Development and Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development.

Nimo advocates at both regional and international levels for refugee inclusion and improved access to resources through policy dialogue and strategic discussions. Her leadership unites women from diverse backgrounds, fostering resilience, solidarity, and community-led change.

Driven by her passion for community-centered programs, Nimo has pursued a Master’s degree in Maanaki Tangata – Social Service at Te Wānanga. Her goal is to become an expert in her field and continue making a lasting impact in State. She actively contributes to her local community through volunteer service and grassroots initiatives.

Nimo brings both lived experience and professional insight to her work, combining on-the-ground organizing with strategic advocacy to advance the rights and dignity of displaced communities worldwide.

Sara Ahmad is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and inclusive community development. She holds a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Business, providing a strong foundation in legal, organisational, and policy frameworks. Residing in Kirikiriroa, Sara serves as the National People Officer at UN Youth New Zealand. She holds leadership roles within the New Zealand Red Cross as a Youth Area Councillor and Midland Area Councillor. Her involvement extends to the Multi-Ethnic Membership Committee, reflecting her commitment to diverse representation.

Sara’s work spans legal advocacy, policy development, support for youth from refugee backgrounds, and community leadership. As Project Manager for NZ Eid Day in Hamilton, she orchestrates events that unite thousands in celebration and cultural connection. Drawing from her lived experience as a Muslim woman and emerging leader, Sara is passionate about amplifying the voices of ethnic and refugee-background communities across Aotearoa. She is honoured to contribute to the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel, advancing equity and representation in policy and practice.