Seeking Asylum is a Fundamental Human Right

Asylum seekers deserve to be welcomed, safe and supported in Aotearoa

About us

That is what we are
here for

To provide safety, support and advocacy for all people who are driven to seek asylum, for any reason. Asylum seekers are people who, because of fear of persecution in their home countries, have crossed international borders in search of protection. No-one chooses to be an asylum seeker. ASST began in 1989 as the Auckland Refugee Council Incorporated (ARCI) as a result of seeing the plight of people who sought asylum, families who had escaped life-threatening danger and were desperate for a safe haven. They received no help or support while they waited to be granted refugee status. They had nowhere to go and no-one to speak for them. We saw this neglect, and through advocacy and support, offered them a chance for something better.

Our Mission

ASST supports people who come to NZ seeking asylum, and a safe and peaceful life, by providing critical humanitarian services to those in need. ASST advocates for legally compliant and compassionate treatment of our clients and all who seek.

Our Vision

A New Zealand where asylum seekers are genuinely welcomed, fully supported, and empowered to thrive in a safe, inclusive, and compassionate society.

Our Values

Respect for everyone we interact with. Inclusion of all people. Empathy for others. Integrity in all our undertakings. Impact resulting from everything we do.

Our Achievements

We Have Done a Lot For
This Time

The overarching goal of the Asylum Seekers Support Trust (ASST) is to help create a New Zealand where Asylum Seekers are welcomed, supported and thriving. We do this by providing emergency housing and other critical humanitarian support from a qualified social workers and support workers who give advice and practical assistance based on assessment of individual need. ASST works in ways that respect the diversity of people who seek asylum and does not discriminate based on any grounds such as colour, race, ethnic or national origins, age, disability, sex, gender, gender expression, sec characteristics, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethical belief, political opinion, employment status, family status, marital status etc. ASST also advocates strongly for legal and compassionate treatment of our clients and all those who come to our shores seeking a safe and peaceful life.

Our Team

Meet our Team Behind
the Success Story

Andrew Barron

Deputy Chair

Jen Lander

Secretary

Baptist Lobo

Board Member

Maithili Sreen

Board Member

Judi Wilford

Board Member

Bella Munro

Board Member

Colin Jeffery

Board Member

Dawit Arshak

General Manager

Christina

Client Service Manager

Shilear Basharati

Senior Social Worker

Kidist Tegegne

Community Development Lead

Vijitha Visagan

Support Worker

Gina

Residential Social Worker

May Eqbal

Support Worker

Tim Maurice

Finance / Admin

Our Newsletter

Monthly Highlights

ASST E- Newsletter Vol 1

ASST E- Newsletter Vol 2

Our Measured Progress

Reports & Insights

Annual Report
2024

Impact Evaluation
Report

Audited Finance & Performance Report

Our Media

Explore Our Podcast
Series

  • Voice Of Asylum Seekers Ep: 01

    Beyond Borders

    In our inaugural episode of "Beyond Borders: Voice of Asylum Seekers," we delve into the inspiring story of Dawit Arshak, who once sought refuge and has now become a successful general manager. Join us as Dawit shares his incredible journey of resilience, the challenges he faced, and the triumphs he achieved along the way.

    Beyond Borders
  • Voice Of Asylum Seekers Ep: 02

    Beyond Borders

    In this compelling episode of "Beyond Borders: Voice of Asylum Seekers," we sit down with Wasim Shahid to hear his extraordinary journey to seek asylum. Wasim opens up about fleeing his homeland, the formidable challenges he faced along the way, and the unwavering resilience that propelled him forward.

    Beyond Borders
  • Voice Of Asylum Seekers Ep: 03

    Beyond Borders

    Prepare to be profoundly moved in Episode 3 of "Beyond Borders: Voice of Asylum Seekers". Join us for an intimate and heartfelt conversation with Christina, one of the Asylum Seekers Support Trust's longest-standing volunteers. Feel the impact of her tireless dedication, unwavering kindness, and incredible resilience as she transforms lives within the asylum-seeking community.

    Beyond Borders
  • Voice Of Asylum Seekers Ep: 04

    Beyond Borders

    Imagine showing up in a brand-new country with barely anything to your name—no friends, no spare change, and nowhere to sleep except for a cold bench in the local park. That’s exactly what happened to Zohaib Abbas Bangash when he arrived in New Zealand. It was rough. He spent long, freezing nights wondering how he’d ever make it through to the next day.
    Join us as Zohaib shares his incredible journey of resilience, the challenges he faced, and the triumphs he achieved along the way.

    Beyond Borders

    Our Blog

    Our latest Blog Posts

    Our Alliances

    The Refugee Alliance

    Our Members

    Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga

    Our Sponsors

    Our Generous Supporters

    Our Testimonials

    What People Say

    "The ‘Warm for Winter’ appeal arrived just in time. New blankets and a heater meant my kids slept snug every night. Your kindness literally kept us warm."

    Farah Mother of Two

    "When my family reached Auckland with nothing but hope, ASST gave us a warm bed, food, and help with paperwork. Thanks to their guidance we’re finally building a safe future here."

    Ali Recent Assylum Seeker

    "Volunteering at ASST has been life-changing. Seeing 150 food boxes go out each week reminds me that small acts of service can touch hundreds of lives."

    Meghan Volunteer

    "Gina went above and beyond to ensure our comfort in this new country… her unwavering support meant the world to us."

    Client Testimonial Volunteer

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