who we are
We’re the Manawatu Reuniting Refugee Families Trust. We’re based in Palmerston North, but cover the Central North Island.
Our Mission:
Enhancing the wellbeing of refugee families in the Central North Island of New Zealand, through financial assistance to reunite immediate family members.
Our Purpose:
Raising funds to provide financial assistance and support to enable reuniting of immediate family members.
We welcome support of any sort, be it personal donation, business sponsorship, community funding and other activities.
Donations
You can make a donation to the Trust, either as a one off or by becoming a regular donor. The Trust is a registered charity with the NZ Charities Commission No CC53703. Donations are tax deductible.
Refer to the " How You Can Help" menu option for further details.
You might have the opportunity to promote the work of the Trust to your local community.
You can consider a bequest to the work of the Trust.
You could get together with your friends or community group and organize a fundraiser for the Trust.
Our Mission:
Enhancing the wellbeing of refugee families in the Central North Island of New Zealand, through financial assistance to reunite immediate family members.
Our Purpose:
Raising funds to provide financial assistance and support to enable reuniting of immediate family members.
We welcome support of any sort, be it personal donation, business sponsorship, community funding and other activities.
Donations
You can make a donation to the Trust, either as a one off or by becoming a regular donor. The Trust is a registered charity with the NZ Charities Commission No CC53703. Donations are tax deductible.
Refer to the " How You Can Help" menu option for further details.
You might have the opportunity to promote the work of the Trust to your local community.
You can consider a bequest to the work of the Trust.
You could get together with your friends or community group and organize a fundraiser for the Trust.
our trustees
Lorna Johnson
I am a veterinary surgeon and have worked in private practice and tertiary education. I was a lecturer at UCOL for eleven years. I’ve volunteered to resettle refugees in our community, and worked in the not-for profit sector in refugee resettlement and health. I am Chair of the Manawatu Reuniting Refugee Families Trust and a member of the National Council of Women. I was born in the UK and have lived in New Zealand for 16 years with my husband and three children. Roger Clark I have had a long governance involvement in the Not for Profit sector and have worked for many years in the agricultural servicing sector before my current role as Secretary of The Ozanam House Trust. Other activities, include roles in the Society of St Vincent de Paul, which has a long history of helping refugee families in practical ways. I continue this help as a Trustee of The Manawatu Reuniting Refugee Families Trust. I also find time as a member of Fitzherbert Lions. Mary Nash I came to live in New Zealand from North Wales in 1978. I have three children and four grandchildren. For many years, I taught social work at Massey University and have now retired. I have researched and published in the field of social work and refugees and I know how important it is for refugee families to be reunited with one another. It is my hope that by being a member of the MRRFT I can help to bring families together again. Alison Rowland
Having lived in Kenya for several years and travelled extensively in countries such as Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Nepal and India I have real empathy for people who have been forced to leave their homes and learn to build a new life in different country and culture. I worked at Massey University for many years as a Manager but since retiring I have enjoyed being able to devote time helping others through organisations such as Zonta and also tutoring refugee women to speak English. I view myself as someone who has had many opportunities in life and it is important to me to give back to others. Cliff Wilson
Following a long stint in the corporate sector, most recently as CFO to a large organisation, now semi-retired, I joined MRRFT after working with a Refugee Charity in Wellington, and various other charities, becoming aware of the at times extreme issues in this area. I wish to contribute through being a Trustee/Treasurers of the Manawatu Reuniting Refugee Families Trust as I can to assist in the reunification of disparate families. I am also chair of the Hoffman Kiln Trust. Christine Mukabalinda After 15 years working with migrants and refugees helping them resettle in our City, I feel privileged and humbled to have this wonderful opportunity to be involved with the Manawatu Reuniting Refugee Families Trust. I’m married and have 5 children and 5 grandchildren. We came to NZ 19 years ago, under my husband skilled migrant visa, before that we were refugees under UNHCR. I know how hard it is to leave your family behind and try to resettle in your new country and I look forward to helping former refugees reunite with their loved ones. |