Reza – Afghan Community Navigator

Reza began working for CRS in January 2022 as an Afghan Community Navigator. Prior to his employment, Reza accessed support from CRS as a client when he moved to Christchurch. Reza moved to New Zealand in 2006 after spending six years in Indonesia. He stayed at Mangere Refugee Camp in Auckland before settling in Christchurch.

His role with CRS involves helping members of the Afghani community settle into their new lives in Christchurch, whether that be assisting with enrolling people with a GP, enrolling families at school, helping with immigration applications and help with benefits or IRD numbers.

Reza says CRS has been incredibly supportive, both to him as a client and as an employee. “I appreciate the people at CRS, they are helpful and supportive. It’s really quite special, especially for those who are new to Christchurch. I think if there was no CRS it would have been very difficult for migrants and refugees who are new to Christchurch to get help.”