Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand

19/06/2026

7⃣5️⃣ years ago, governments made a commitment. People fleeing persecution would not be turned away to face further danger.

Today, that commitment is under threat.

A record number of people are displaced worldwide, while political pressure for "tougher borders" and stricter asylum policies continues to grow.

As we mark World Refugee Day and the Convention's 75th anniversary, the question is not whether refugee protection still matters. It is whether countries still have the political will to uphold it.

STATEMENT FROM CARITAS INTERNATIONALIS On World Refugee Day, Caritas Internationalis joins the global call to renew protection for the millions of people forced to flee their homes, as the world marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. 20 JUNE 2026 - ROME - On World Refug

17/06/2026

Caritas has taken Pacific voices to the global stage at the Bonn Climate Change Conference in Germany.

At international gatherings on climate change, a representative of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has delivered a clear message about the climate's impact in this part of the world.

08/06/2026

Right now in Bonn, Germany, global climate talks are underway and Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is there, making sure the voices of our communities are heard.

Our friend and colleague Martin de Jong stepped spoke at a United Nations press conference alongside Catholic partners from around the world. Representing Caritas Oceania, he brought our region’s perspective into the global conversation on climate finance.

Climate finance is not charity, it is justice. Communities across the Pacific and beyond are already facing the impacts of climate change, rising seas, extreme weather, and threats to livelihoods and culture despite contributing least to the crisis.

Caritas is calling for:
Fair and accessible climate finance (focused on grants, not loans)
A just transition away from fossil fuels
Real support for communities facing loss and damage
Climate action rooted in dignity, solidarity, and care for our common home

These conversations can be technical and complex but at their heart, they are about people, justice, and our shared future.

🎥 Watch the full press conference:
Watch the video https://www.facebook.com/reel/967040376196758
(Martin speaks from around the 16:30 mark!)

05/06/2026

A large missile and drone attack across several Ukrainian cities in May damaged homes, schools and public spaces. In Kyiv - our friends and colleagues at Caritas Ukraine were directly affected.

Some had windows blown out or spent the night in corridors or underground shelters as strikes landed nearby. Many got up the next day and went back to their job helping others.

For our Ukraine colleagues, nights in shelters and damaged homes have become part of daily lives alongside their roles supporting others. The line between responder and affected community is often blurred.

The following is an account from several Caritas Ukraine staff describing what it’s like to be under attack. 5 June 2026 - Kyiv - On the night of May 24, Kyiv experienced one of the largest Russian attacks in recent months. 90 missiles and 600 drones targeted the capital. 87 people were inju

05/06/2026

Great to see our friend and colleague Martin de Jong in Rome recently representing Aotearoa and Oceania at this important event.

27/05/2026

Well done to St Anne's Parish and School in Manurewa - who brought in almost $10,000 this year for the Caritas Lenten appeal - including by collecting and selling more than $1,700 worth of aluminium cans (that's a lot of cans)!

22/05/2026

Want a job that makes a difference?

We’re on the lookout for a Mission Advisor to join our team in Wellington!

You’ll be working with young people, schools, and communities across Aotearoa, running workshops, supporting campaigns, and helping bring social justice issues to life.

🔸 Working with rangatahi and students
🔸 Creating engaging education resources
🔸 Getting involved in real advocacy that matters
🔸 Helping make positive change happen

If you’re passionate about justice, people, and creating a better world, this could be your vibe.

Wellington-based | 🌏 National impact
Keen? Apply here ⬇️

An opportunity has become available for a Justice & Peace Advisor to join Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand in Wellington. This role supports the delivery of education, advocacy and engagement initiatives that promote justice, peace and development, with a strong focus on supporting Catholic school c

21/05/2026

Great news for climate justice! 🌏

A massive majority of UN Member States, including Aotearoa, backed a United Nations resolution supporting the International Court of Justice opinion that states can be held legally responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.

The resolution was led by 🇻🇺 and supported by many Pacific nations on the frontline of climate impact. It signals growing global agreement that countries must act with urgency and accountability on climate change.

🇳🇿 helped initiate this process and has now voted in favour. The focus now shifts to action. Governments must follow through on their commitments and ensure decisions align with their obligations to care for creation.

Protecting people and the planet is not only a moral responsibility. It is fast becoming a legal one as well!

Read more ⬇️

The ruling which endorsed an International Court of Justice opinion finding countries can be held legally responsible for their greenhouse gas emissions had the support of most countries, including New Zealand.