Why do we do it

Why We Do It

Ō Mātou Whakaaro Matua

Our Philosophy

Hear From Us, Not About Us

We believe in the fundamental right of all individuals to live with dignity, security, and opportunity. More importantly, we support and empower community members to know and claim their rights. Having gone through similar experiences ourselves, we understand the challenges and struggles of resettlement, which drives our commitment to serve and support our own people navigating these journeys. By supporting resettled migrant communities, we contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious New Zealand. Our work is driven by the stories and experiences of the people we serve, inspiring us to create a better today and future for all.

Our vision is to be a trusted community advisor and a leading agency on the settlement and integration of ethnic migrants for communities, organisations, funders, and policymakers throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Our values include justice, empathy, and self-determination. Our working principles are centred around finding solutions and demonstrating commitment.

Ā Mātou Uara

Our Values

These values guide how we work, make decisions, and support communities with care, respect, and integrity.

Justice

To promote fairness, guidance and empowerment to make meaningful contributions in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Emphathy

To provide meaningful assistance through active listening and understanding to navigate systems and overcome challenges.

Self-Determination

To support individual and community realisation of their own worth and the potential of their lived experiences.

Impact Stories

From Struggle to Stability: The Story of Peter Chan

Peter Chan, originally from South Sudan, arrived in New Zealand under the Refugee Quota Programme in 2005. Since 2007, he

January 13, 2024 1 Comment

Ngā Kōrero Pānga

Our Impact

Our work is grounded in lived experience and real outcomes for communities.

ARCC has been my greatest support throughout my settlement journey in Aotearoa New Zealand. I joined the Women Leadership Network programme, and it became a turning point in my life. Pwint even picked me up and dropped me off so I could attend. Through the programme, I met many new friends from different countries. It made me so happy and helped me feel that I belong. When I faced a housing problem, ARCC supported me again. I did not fully understand my tenancy agreement. After completing one year of a fixed-term contract, I unknowingly signed for another year because the support worker did not explain it clearly. I only realised the situation after Pwint carefully explained the agreement to me. I had already applied for social housing and was approved before my tenancy agreement ended. However, when I needed to move out, the landlord said I had to find a replacement tenant or pay marketing fees. I was also told I must continue paying rent until a new tenant is found. I felt stressed and worried. Pwint stepped in and mediated between the landlord and me. She connected the landlord with Work and Income (WINZ) to register as a housing supplier. In the end, WINZ found a new tenant for the landlord. She agreed to let me go without paying any extra costs. I was able to move into social housing, which I had always hoped for. I did not have to pay additional fees, and everything was resolved peacefully. Pwint’s support has been beyond what I expected. Even now, I continue to go to ARCC whenever I need help in different areas of life. I am forever grateful.

I submitted the Tier 1 Registration for my daughter in 2017. In 2023, I received a letter from Immigration New Zealand inviting me to proceed with her application. I contacted Pwint for assistance in completing the application form and ensuring all the necessary documents were included. Pwint supported me throughout the entire process, acting as a liaison between the Immigration Officer and me, which was especially helpful due to my language barrier. She guided me step by step in gathering all the required documents. At the final stage of the process, the Immigration Officer raised a concern regarding the difference between my middle name and surname, which needed clarification before the residence visa for my daughter and her family could be issued. I was very worried, as I didn’t know how to explain that I was the same person as listed on my daughter’s birth certificate and my current passport. Pwint did an excellent job explaining the situation clearly to the Immigration Officer. As a result, in September 2024, I received an email confirming that my daughter and her family had been granted residence visas. Three months later, they arrived in New Zealand. I am forever grateful for the support I received from Pwint and ARCC throughout the entire application process. Words cannot fully express how thankful I am.

Ngā Kōrero Taunaki

Testimonials

Shared experiences from community members, volunteers, and partners that reflect the impact of support, collaboration, and a strong sense of belonging.

"I faced health conditions and applied for a transfer to social housing without making progress. The situation worsened due to my inability to communicate effectively in English with housing officials. One day, I shared my struggles with a community leader who suggested seeking help from ARCC. Upon approaching ARCC, the staff prioritized my issue. During alert level 3, a pleasant surprise came when a kind lady from Housing New Zealand shared the good news that my family and I would be moving to housing that better suited my health needs. I was elated, but the happiest in the family was my 13-year-old son, who had been struggling with depression and couldn't stop expressing his joy. Thanks to ARCC and Housing New Zealand for their invaluable support."

“Nyasha Mutizira recounts her experience with ARCC, stating, "I came to ARCC for work placement to complete my social work degree at Unitec. I knew ARCC by name but had never stepped into it. The moment I came as an intern, I was amazed by the diversity of the communities it represents. My three-month internship felt like three weeks—I loved it."

“Collaborating with ARCC has been an exceptional experience. Their commitment to supporting forced migrants during the resettlement process is truly commendable. ARCC's dedication to fostering collaboration and creating a positive impact is evident in every interaction. We are proud to partner with ARCC in our shared mission of building inclusive communities and providing crucial support to those in need."