How we help
ASST works to create a safe and supportive environment for asylum seekers and convention refugees in New Zealand. We provide access to information, services and resources so that those seeking asylum may effectively pursue the determination of their refugee status, and thrive in their new home. We also provide re-settlement support for individuals who have had their refugee status approved to help ensure successful integration into local communities.
Please note, we are not lawyers or immigration advisors. We do not represent clients in their claim and we cannot influence the outcome of asylum claims. What we can do is provide support to help in other ways so those making a claim can focus their energy on that.
We have limited accommodation available for people who have a claim in process who are in urgent need of shelter. This is hostel accommodation and often involves sharing rooms with other asylum seekers. The accommodation is designed to be relatively short term while clients find their feet in a new country and have their case decided. We have a big demand for this service so we are not always able to accommodate all that need it, but if we can't help in this way, we can discuss what other options are available.
Making a claim for asylum can be overwhelming. ASST can provide information on rights and entitlements, support services available and general information about life in New Zealand.
We can also assist in the process of accessing entitlements, whether that is helping asylum seekers fill enrollment and application forms, accompanying them to appointments or liaising with other organisations.It can be hard to advocate for yourself in a system you are not familiar with, we can stand beside asylum seekers to ensure their voice is heard and they get their rights and entitlements upheld.
We offer a visitation programme for Asylum Seekers detained at Mt Eden, offering support and friendship. We visit each inmate at least fortnightly, and can offer a small weekly amount so they can afford a phone card to reach those on the outside.
We feed approx. 100 individuals and families every week via approx. 50 food boxes. These parcels are distributed on a Wednesday and a Friday using volunteers.
We redistribute rescued food and the food is often varied, but we can tailor your food box to suit.
If you require food support please contact us.
We have a donation centre in Grey Lynn which has small items, linen, blankets, heaters, kitchen utensils etc. We also have a garage which we use to store furniture, beds, couches, cabinets etc.
We often have open days when you can come see what is available, or you can view by appointment by contacting us.
Theses microfinance loans are for immigration, accommodation and transport. The maximum is $780 a person, maximum term 6 months and maximum payments $30 a week. For vehicles we will double the loan amount, to make sure cars are of a good standard. No Interest and no fees. There is a loan committee who decide if loan is accepted.
If you are looking for some help with these costs please contact us at least one week in advance of needing the money.
A big thank you to JR McKenzie for their support of these loan fund
We own 2 an 8 seater van with a tow bar, a smaller car and a trailer with a cage. The trailer and van are available for clients to use if needed for moving house, picking up furniture etc.
To use the van you will need to have a full drivers licence and be over 25 (for insurance reasons), and if using the trailer be comfortable driving with a trailer.
A big thank you to The Funding Network for providing the funds to purchase this very well used vehicle.
Our programme includes trips every Tuesday (beach, museum, walks, fishing etc.) and dinners on Friday's at our hostel. We have been to rugby matches, cooking classes, taken trips to Waiheke Island, visited markets and gardens.
These opportunities to explore the community and connect with others are available for our clients to join. If you would like to be in our Whatsapp communication group about upcoming events please email jemma@asst.org.nz
A big thank you to Auckland City Council for their support of this programme.
Immigration and Work and Income form filing clinics - Monday, from 10am to 3pm, located in the RAS youth building at 1222a Dominion Road in Mt Roskill.
We are not able to offer any advice in regards to Immigration matters.
We are able to assist clients to access publicly avaiable information e.g. the Immigration NZ procedure manual, and we can assist clients to seek information from Law Centres or Immigration etc. We can assists clients to record their information on Immigration and other forms if required.
Client Advisory Group
This groups of clients meet to offer feedback on our operational activities and direction. If you are a current or former client and would like to contribute to this group please email hafsar@asst.org.nz
Social Enterprise Begana Ltd
We have a registered company which provides lawn maintenance services. It is designed to give work and future business ownership opportunities to our clients.
Terms of Service
We help anyone who is an seeking asylum or is a convention refugee (an accepted asylum seeker) in New Zealand. We have no time limit to our service.
Groups we are part of
- ARSSG – Auckland Resettlement Sector Support Group
- APRNN – Asia Pacific Refugee Network (Hafsar deputy Chair NZ/AUS working group.)
- Asylum Group Auckland – meet quarterly with Immigration
- Casey Review Working group – set up to try and implement Casey review
- Stop Detention Group – Amnesty organise group to work on this issue
