United Nations Association of New Zealand - UNANZ - Wellington Branch

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United Nations Association of New Zealand - UNANZ - Wellington Branch

The United Nations Association of New Zealand – Wellington Branch (UNANZ Wellington) is part of New Zealand’s people's movement for the United Nations.

We work to foster understanding of and engagement with the mission and values of the UN. The United Nations brings together nearly every country in the world to tackle pressing global challenges—from peace and security to poverty, hunger, climate change, and human rights. While progress has been made, there is still much to be done. We believe community involvement is essential to making the UN mo

re effective and responsive to global needs. At UNANZ Wellington, we are committed to the ideals of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our role is to promote and support the goals of the UN, helping to share its principles across our communities and bring its vision closer to reality. We are a volunteer-led, non-governmental organisation and a registered charity. As part of the national UNANZ network, we collaborate with regional branches, a youth association, and affiliates across Aotearoa New Zealand. We are also a proud member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA). Join Us
Membership is open to individuals and community groups who share our vision of a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.

13/06/2026

For 75 years, the 1951 Refugee Convention has helped protect the rights of people forced to flee conflict, persecution, and crisis around the world 🌏

Join us for a special panel event marking this important milestone and exploring what refugee protection and inclusion mean today, and how we can strengthen refugee futures across the Asia-Pacific region.

🗓️Wednesday, 24 June
🕠5:30 – 7:00 pm
📍RHLT3, Rutherford House, Victoria University of Wellington
☕ Refreshments provided following the discussion

🔗 Register via the link in our bio.
 Panel participants:
- Soo Jin Rhee: Representative, UNHCR Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
- Dr Julija Sardelić: Senior Lecturer, Political Science and International Relations, Victoria University of Wellington.
- Birgit Grafarend-Watungwa: Chief Executive Officer, HOST International Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Representative from New Zealand Red Cross.

Moderated by Karim Dickie. 

12/06/2026

🌍 **World Refugee Day 2026**

The United Nations Association of New Zealand (UNANZ) Wellington Branch is pleased to invite you to a special World Refugee Day event:

**75 Years of Protection: Strengthening Refugee Futures and Inclusion**

📅 Wednesday, 24 June 2026
🕠 5:30pm – 7:00pm
📍 RHLT3, Victoria University of Wellington
☕ Refreshments to follow

As we mark 75 years of international refugee protection, this event will bring together leaders from the United Nations, academia, community organisations, and the refugee sector to discuss the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the pathways toward greater inclusion and opportunity for refugees.

We are honoured to welcome **Soo Jin Rhee**, UNHCR Representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, alongside an expert panel including:

• Dr Julija Sardelić (Victoria University of Wellington)
• Birgit Grafarend-Watungwa (HOST International)
• Thidar Nyein, Settlement Lead (New Zealand Red Cross)

This conversation offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of refugee protection and to explore how communities, institutions, and policymakers can work together to strengthen refugee futures.

🎟️ Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/75-years-of-protection

We look forward to welcoming you to this important discussion.

05/06/2026

We were honoured to join the Embassy of Italy in celebrating Italy’s National Day and the 80th Anniversary of the Italian Republic 🇮🇹

An evening that brought together Wellington’s diplomatic community and civil society to celebrate the values of democracy, cooperation, and enduring international friendship.

Thank you to Ambassador Cristiano Maggipinto for the warm hospitality. Auguri, Italy!

👥 UNANZ Wellington was represented by Vice-President Agostina Balbi and Secretary Zahraa Kapasi.

27/04/2026

This ANZAC Day, we joined the Citizens’ Ceremony at the Wellington Cenotaph to pay our respects and reflect on the enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and remembrance. 🌺🫡

Representing UNANZ, we had the honour of laying a wreath alongside community and national representatives. Standing in quiet acknowledgement not only of those who served, but of the generations shaped by their courage.🇺🇳

ANZAC Day is a moment to look both back and forward, remembering the cost of conflict, while reaffirming our shared commitment to peace, dialogue, and international cooperation. These values remain at the heart of the United Nations’ work today, reminding us why remembrance must continue to inspire action.🇦🇺🇳🇿🇺🇳

Lest we forget.

📸 Photo credit: Eva Kaprinay

22/04/2026

There’s a world beyond our screens. One we depend on every day 🌏

In Aotearoa New Zealand, our oceans, forests, and wildlife are not just part of the scenery. They are complex ecosystems that sustain life, culture, and future generations. But they are not guaranteed. Their beauty, resources, and biodiversity will only endure if we actively protect them.

This Earth Day, take a moment to think about what you can do to protect te taiao (the natural world). Taking action, however small, matters.

📸 UNANZ Wellington-Communication and Media team

16/04/2026

Great connecting with the team from Victoria University of Wellington’s Kitea Impact Programme 🤝

We had a really productive discussion exploring potential collaboration opportunities between UNANZ Wellington and Kitea, particularly around youth engagement, leadership development, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in our community 🌏

Looking forward to building meaningful partnerships and creating impactful initiatives together.
Watch this space!

10/04/2026

Meet the 2026 UNANZ Wellington
committee 🇳🇿

Recently elected at our Annual General Meeting, this team will lead the year ahead, bringing diverse experiences and a shared motivation to connect people with local and global issues.

Follow along to see what's coming.

📸 Vishwas Sharma

08/04/2026

UNANZ Wellington was pleased to attend the reception hosted by H.E. Mr Makoto OSAWA, Ambassador of Japan to New Zealand, in celebration of the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

The evening brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives, and community leaders, reflecting the strong and enduring partnership between Japan and New Zealand.

Events such as these provide valuable opportunities to strengthen dialogue, foster cultural understanding, and deepen international cooperation.

Ngā mihi nui to the Embassy of Japan for their kind invitation.

UNANZ remains committed to fostering dialogue, international understanding, and people-to-people connections in Aotearoa New Zealand.

United Nations
United Nations Association of New Zealand - UNANZ

06/04/2026

UNANZ Wellington was honoured to attend Race Relations Day 2026 at Parliament Buildings in Wellington 🇳🇿

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Melissa Derby for the kind invitation and for her leadership in bringing communities together to strengthen race relations across Aotearoa.

Hosted by Hon and Hon , the event was a meaningful celebration of diversity, inclusion, and understanding. It was inspiring to see communities and leaders come together to reflect on how we can continue building a more connected and inclusive society.

We look forward to continuing this important work through dialogue and future initiatives 🤝

Ngā mihi nui to all involved for such a wonderful event.

01/04/2026

UNANZ Wellington was delighted to take part in a conversation with the Latin American and Spanish Club VUW at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

The session was held entirely in Spanish and brought together students interested in Latin America, international affairs, and global challenges. It created a space to reflect on the importance of dialogue, continuous learning, and active listening as key tools to better understand the world we live in.

We also explored how connecting global perspectives with local realities can help foster more inclusive conversations and contribute to the values behind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the co-creation of new ideas and narratives.

Spaces like these are essential for strengthening cultural exchange, encouraging critical thinking, and building bridges between New Zealand and Latin America.

Many thanks to the Latin American Spanish Club for the invitation and for creating such a thoughtful and engaging environment.

United Nations
United Nations Association of New Zealand - UNANZ

Address

Wellington
6011

Website

https://www.unanz.org.nz/

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