FAQs

Questions about UNHCR

What is UNHCR?

Established in 1951, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee conflict, disaster and persecution. UNHCR works in over 130 countries around the world – delivering life-saving assistance in emergencies, safeguarding fundamental human rights and helping find long-term solutions.

When an emergency strikes, UNHCR's emergency response teams are often first on the ground. Dedicated staff cover every angle of emergency response, from coordinating airlifts to establishing camps. In protracted situations, UNHCR provides long-term support, helping displaced people access education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities. UNHCR also helps displaced people return home or resettle permanently in other countries.

For more information, visit UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency | UNHCR

What kinds of humanitarian emergencies does UNHCR respond to?

NHCR is on the ground, saving lives and protecting people who have been forced to flee conflict, persecution or other humanitarian emergencies. Emergencies can include war, religious or political persecution, or natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.

Whether people seek safety within their own country or across an international border, we stand ready to help in any crisis.

Questions about Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR

What is the official name of the New Zealand entity?

Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR.

What is Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR?

Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR unites caring New Zealanders – individuals, community groups and businesses – to support people fleeing conflict, disaster and persecution. We advocate and fundraise for refugee protection, emergency aid, and long-term support and solutions, helping the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reach millions of vulnerable people each year.

For more information, visit About Us.

How does buying products from Aotearoa NZ for UNHCR Shop support the work of the organisation?

When you purchase a product from the Aotearoa NZ for UNHCR Shop, you're helping support our mission to protect and assist refugees and displaced people around the world. Proceeds from shop purchases help fund UNHCR's life-saving work, including providing emergency shelter, healthcare, education, protection and other essential support to people forced to flee their homes. Every purchase makes a meaningful difference while helping spread awareness of refugee experiences and stories.

What are the contact details for Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR?

Contact Details:

PO Box 302324 North Harbour Auckland 0751 NEW ZEALAND

Tel:+64 9414 7883

Email: info@unrefugees.org.nz

Web: https://www.unrefugees.org.nz/

Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR NZBN: 9429050294954

How can I obtain more information about Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR?

Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR is committed to being open and transparent about our work and accountable to our stakeholders. You can find a range of information on our website relating to our organisation and governance, the activities we support and the work of UNHCR. Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR also prepares audited financial reports which summarise our key activities and financial performance statement for each year.

Our Privacy Policy sets out the way we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information and underpins our commitment to protecting your right to privacy. Our Complaints Policy sets out the process we use to ensure complaints are managed in an open and transparent manner. We will consider any reasonable requests for information.

To submit a query please send a written request to our Donor Care Team:

Email us: info@unrefugees.org.nz or
Mail us: Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR at PO Box 302324, North Harbour, Auckland, 0751, NEW ZEALAND

Who can I contact for media enquiries?

Our media team (based in Australia) is available to handle any media enquiries, provide briefings on emergencies and disasters, and provide access to spokespeople, photography and footage.

Please direct any media enquiries to our press team:

Lisa Upton, Head of Communication and Public Affairs: lupton@unrefugees.org.au
Kelsey Taylor, Senior Media and Communications Manager: ktaylor@unrefugees.org.au

Why are you based in Australia and not New Zealand?

Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR operates alongside Australia for UNHCR from its head office in Sydney. This reduces administrative and operational costs, ensuring more funds go to the field, where they're needed most.

Asylum and Humanitarian Visa Enquiries

I am seeking refugee protection in New Zealand. Can you help me with legal protection matters?

Thank you for contacting Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR.

While we appreciate you looking to our office for help with this matter, this request falls beyond the scope and mandate of our organisation.

Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR is a non-profit organisation raising funds from the New Zealand public for UNHCR's humanitarian and emergency programs overseas.

We are separate to and independent from UNHCR and as such we are unable to directly offer advice, guidance or assistance on asylum or resettlement matters.

Any enquiries to UNHCR should be sent to the UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Canberra, Australia.

You can contact UNHCR's MCO office by emailing aulca@unhcr.org or calling +61 426 796 138.

More information is available at https://help.unhcr.org/newzealand/