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.
Bernard Sama
Chair
Baptist Lobo
Treasurer
Andrew Barron
Deputy Chair
Maithili Sreen
Board Member
Jen Lander
Secretary
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
Feras Alhantosh
Driver
May Eqbal
Support Worker
Tim Maurice
Finance / Admin
Our Media
Watch our Latest Podcasts
Our Alliances
The Refugee Alliance
Our Members
Amnesty International
Asylum Seekers Equality Project (Wellington Community Justice Project)
Wellington Community Justice Project
Auckland United Oromo Community Incorporated
Our Members
Anglican Diocese of Auckland
Aotearoa Africa Foundation
Aotearoa Latin American Communities (ALAC)
The Period Place
Our Generous Supporters
Foundation North
Jr Mckenzie
The Catholic Caring Foundation
Lottery Grants Board
Auckland Council
The Trusts
Ministry of Ethnic Communities
New Zealand Red Cross
The RD Butland Charitable Trust
Our Testimonials
Supporting Asylum Seekers
to Build New Lives
We provide safe shelter, guidance, and essential services to help asylum seekers rebuild their lives. With dignity and support, they take steps toward a stable and hopeful future.
Mother of two
"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."
Recent asylum-seeker
"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."
Volunteer
"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."
Volunteer
"Gina went above and beyond to ensure our comfort in this new country… her unwavering support meant the world to us."
Our Testimonials
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