RiseLink Foundation

RiseLink Foundation Together, we rise. 🌏💛

Supporting refugee and migrant youth to access opportunities and resources through a family-centred, holistic approach that helps young people settle well in Aotearoa through connection, belonging, and wellbeing.

12/06/2026

Our Young People Cannot Be Ignored!

Around 109,000 young people in New Zealand are currently not in employment, education, or training. That should concern all of us.

Young people are already struggling with the rising cost of living, limited job opportunities, and uncertainty about their pathways into education and employment.

Behind every number is a young person with potential, ambition, and dreams for their future. Yet too many are facing barriers to finding work, accessing education, or building the skills they need to succeed.

At a time when youth unemployment and the cost of living are rising, we need greater investment in pathways to employment, education, mentoring, and support services.

Young people are not the problem, they are the future. The question is whether we are doing enough to support them.

RiseLink Foundation Board attended the Christchurch Ethnic Community Meeting hosted by NZ Police.It was a valuable oppor...
06/06/2026

RiseLink Foundation Board attended the Christchurch Ethnic Community Meeting hosted by NZ Police.

It was a valuable opportunity to connect with the new Assistant Commissioner for Iwi & Community Partnerships, Tim Anderson, and hear updates on how NZ Police is working to strengthen engagement and services for ethnic communities.

We appreciated the opportunity to share community perspectives, raise important issues, and contribute to discussions that help strengthen trust, safety, and inclusion across our diverse communities.

Thank you to NZ Police for creating a space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. We look forward to continuing to work alongside NZ Police, community leaders, and organisations to support strong, connected, and resilient communities across Ōtautahi Christchurch.

27/05/2026

Have Your Say: Su***de Prevention Action Plan 2025–2029

The Draft Su***de Prevention Action Plan highlights that youth su***de rates in Aotearoa remain unacceptably high and calls for stronger early intervention, culturally responsive support, and community‑led approaches to wellbeing.

The Ministry of Health is now seeking feedback from communities across the country.

At RiseLink Foundation, we believe that safe spaces, connection, belonging, and culturally grounded support are essential for helping young people feel valued and empowered.

Strong communities save lives.

Please join us in welcoming Marija Gradnik to the Board of Trustees of RiseLink Foundation.Originally from Italy, Marija...
14/05/2026

Please join us in welcoming Marija Gradnik to the Board of Trustees of RiseLink Foundation.

Originally from Italy, Marija understands firsthand what it means to start over in a new country and build a life from the ground up. Her journey reflects the resilience, adaptability, and determination shared by many migrant communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Through her work in hospitality and real estate, Marija has developed a strong people-centred approach and a deep commitment to helping others build stable and secure futures.

Her lived experience and passion for supporting young people and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds make her a valuable addition to our governance team.

Nau mai, haere mai, Marija. We are delighted to have you on board.

We are Thrilled to welcome Thishni De Silva Wall to our Board of Trustees.Originally from Sri Lanka, Thishni arrived in ...
12/05/2026

We are Thrilled to welcome Thishni De Silva Wall to our Board of Trustees.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Thishni arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand at the age of eight and understands firsthand the challenges of language, identity, and belonging that many migrant families experience. Her lived experience, combined with a strong academic background in sociology, politics, criminology, and journalism, brings valuable insight to our governance team.

Thishni is also the founder of Moving Stories, a podcast that shares the lived experiences of immigrants in Aotearoa New Zealand and amplifies voices that are too often unheard.

Her passion for supporting young people and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds aligns strongly with RiseLink’s mission to create pathways to education, employment, wellbeing, and belonging.

We are delighted to have Thishni join the RiseLink Foundation whānau and look forward to the wisdom, compassion, and leadership she will bring to our work.

Nau mai, haere mai, Thishni. We are honoured to have you on this journey with us.

06/05/2026

Today, RiseLink Foundation spoke at the Christchurch City Council Public Forum to share the realities many refugee and migrant young people and families are facing across Ōtautahi Christchurch.

It was an opportunity to bring forward voices that are not always heard in spaces like this.

Thank you to the Mayor, Councillors, and staff for the opportunity to speak and engage with RiseLink towards better outcomes for our community.

Proud moment for RiseLink Foundation.We are pleased to have partnered with Australian Refugees and Family Reunification ...
27/04/2026

Proud moment for RiseLink Foundation.

We are pleased to have partnered with Australian Refugees and Family Reunification Inc. to support the delivery of the “Voices for Justice” leadership programme in Australia, with Hassan contributing to coordination and facilitation.

This initiative reflects our shared commitment to empowering refugee and migrant communities by strengthening leadership, confidence, and advocacy skills.

In times of uncertainty or disruption, including moments like those remembered on March 15, the importance of connected communities and empowered voices becomes even more critical.

Through partnerships like this, we continue to build meaningful pathways, strengthen community leadership, and create impact beyond borders.

We’re proud to celebrate a special milestone for our co-founder, Mohamed Hassan, and his siblings. Their achievements re...
21/04/2026

We’re proud to celebrate a special milestone for our co-founder, Mohamed Hassan, and his siblings. Their achievements reflect the strength, resilience, and determination of many families who begin their journeys far from Aotearoa and work tirelessly to build new futures.

Thank you to the University of Canterbury for sharing this story and recognising the journeys of refugee and migrant communities. At RiseLink Foundation, we remain committed to supporting young people and families through education pathways, employment support, leadership development, and wellbeing programmes.

Stories like this remind us why our work matters — creating opportunities, uplifting communities, and ensuring young people feel seen, valued, and capable.

09/04/2026

Good Afternoon,

Please note the following regarding a Tsunami siren testing on Sunday:

Christchurch’s tsunami sirens will be tested on Sunday 12 April. Forty-five sirens located on the coastline between Brooklands and Taylors Mistake will sound for up to three minutes at 11am.

In the meantime, we hope you all have a nice weekend!

26/01/2026

Our journey to becoming a service provider began long before RiseLink existed. It began with our own experiences as refugees navigating settlement, uncertainty, and systemic barriers.

Those challenges shaped us. They tested us, taught us, and ultimately became the foundation of this organisation.

Today, we support our community using lived experience. We understand the challenges because we have walked them ourselves. We listen closely, respond with humility, and work alongside our community to build pathways that are practical, respectful, and grounded in real needs.

Come through to our hub and tell us how we can best support you.

Address

109 Salisbury Street
Christchurch
8013

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+642040819912

Website

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