Be part of shaping resettlement in Auckland
The Auckland Resettlement Group is a cross-sector network of community organisations, former refugees and government partners working together to strengthen refugee resettlement outcomes across Auckland.
Decisions about resettlement are better when they are shaped by people who have lived it. We are looking for up to three people from refugee-background and resettled communities to join ARG as Community Insights Advisors, bringing their lived experience, raising the issues that matter to their communities, and helping co-design recommendations and decisions alongside other ARG members.
This is not a role about sharing your story and stepping back. You’ll be an active contributor, and your knowledge and experience will directly inform ARG’s work.
What you’ll do
Bring lived-experience perspectives into ARG discussions
Raise the issues affecting refugee-background communities across Auckland
Share what you hear from your wider communities, as well as your own experience
Help co-design and develop recommendations
Take part in ARG decisions on the same basis as other ARG members
Attend meetings regularly and take part actively
Who we’re looking for
Are a refugee or former refugee with personal experience of forced migration and resettlement, including through the Refugee Quota Programme or the Refugee Family Support Category
Living in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
Are based in, or have strong connections to, Auckland’s refugee communities
Are 18 or older (there is no upper age limit, and we’d love to hear from younger people)
Are involved in, or interested in, resettlement, community development, advocacy or similar community work
Are comfortable communicating respectfully with community members, government agencies and service providers
Can work collaboratively and think beyond your own community or ethnicity
Are keen to contribute to the interests of refugee communities collectively, rather than representing one nationality or organisation
Are willing to declare any conflicts of interest and to respect confidentiality within the group
What to expect
Term: Two years, long enough to build relationships, understand how ARG works and make a real contribution
Koha: This is not a paid position, but Community Insights Advisors receive a koha in recognition of their time and contribution
Time commitment: Bi-monthly meetings in person (1.5 hours), plus time for preparation and related to actions committed do during meeting.
Support: Appointed advisors will have induction that will help support their participation in ARG. Advisors will also have access to other training opportunities to support their participation and leadership in ARG.
Things to note
You don’t need perfect English or a formal CV. You need enough English to take part in meetings and share community perspectives. We’re more interested in your experience, your connections and your commitment.
A group that reflects our communities. We aren’t allocating seats by ethnicity or nationality. Instead, we’ll look for diversity across the three appointments, including gender, age, country or region of origin, language, time in New Zealand, resettlement pathway and community involvement. No three people can speak for every community in Auckland, so we’re looking for people who bring their own lived experience and who listen to and engage with others beyond their own circle.
How to apply
Send to malu@belong.org.nz
A short summary of your experience, or a CV if you have one, including your involvement in refugee communities
A few sentences on why you’d like to join ARG and what perspectives you’d bring
Applications close Friday 5 February 2027. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short, informal kōrero rather than a formal interview throughout, as applications come in.
You can apply for yourself, or nominate someone you think would be a great fit. If you’d like to talk it through first, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Malu: malu@belong.org.nz