Kia ora e te whānau,

Trimester 1 is nearly complete—well done everyone! Your hard work matters and is helping you move toward your goals.

This is a good time to take a moment to check in with yourself. If you need academic advice, a wellbeing chat, or just someone to talk to—I’m here for you.

Abdul Samad Haidari
Kaiārahi Tauira Konene - Refugee Background Student Adviser

Events

Last month, we celebrated Eid al-Fitr together. Thank you to everyone who joined us for poetry, kai, henna, and discussion focused on cultural exchange—it was a special time!

Sir Robert Jones’ Refugee Daughters’ Scholarship

Do you know a woman with a refugee-background who is studying or thinking about studying at university, but worried about debt? The Sir Robert Jones’ Refugee Womens’ Scholarship 2026 enables recipients to complete their undergraduate degrees in science, medicine, nursing or health-related fields, education, engineering, humanities, and more.

This scholarship is open to school leavers and current undergraduates. Postgrad support may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Applications are open from 20 June–13 July 2025.

Visit Refugee Health & Wellbeing to learn more and apply.

Aegrotat Pass

Have you been on track to pass a course, but had special personal circumstances (e.g. illness, injury, sudden hardship, bereavement, or other trauma), impacting your ability to:

• complete a piece of assessment, or
• sit a final test/exam.

You may be eligible to apply for an aegrotat (ungraded) pass. Find out more about the requirements and process of applying for an aegrotat pass and talk to your Student Success Adviser about your options before applying. 

27 June 2025 is the last day to submit an Aegrotat application for Trimester 1 students.

Contact your associate dean if you need to submit a late application.

Student Column

The Garden of Broken Shadows

By Ali Al Omari | Master of Architecture

I am علي (Ali), a Palestinian Filipino from the refugee background community, creating work that bridges identity, memory, and hope. My journey has been shaped by courage, friendships, and a pursuit of self-discovery through academia, architecture, art, culture, and Islam. I’ve fought for opportunities, nurtured relationships, protected my mental health, and stayed grounded in who I am. Late-night walks, family gatherings, prayer, quiet moments with peers, and my mentors kept me steady through it all.

My five years in the Master of Architecture were shaped by overcoming challenges. Balancing study, identity, and political realities taught me that perseverance is not just about success—it’s also a form of resistance. That idea became the heart of my thesis.

My thesis exhibition, The Garden of Broken Shadows, was a milestone. The project, part of Unbuilt Realities at Te Auaha, reclaims Palestinian identity through art, architecture, and poetry—challenging simplified narratives.

Two works anchored my vision:  

Misbah Falasteen 

A laser-cut lantern reimagined Palestinian tatreez (embroidery) and the traditional misbah (lantern). Each face waves symbols of heritage—olive trees, old Palestine, mosques and churches, barbed wire, house keys, Handala, and a refugee child. It's a visual dialogue between resilience and erasure, inviting people to see the deeper layers of Palestine’s identity.

The Anqa 

While finishing my thesis, I taught myself Arabic calligraphy. The Anqa is a sculptural pavilion inspired by the mythical phoenix-like bird from Arab folklore—also a symbol of Gaza. The structure casts shadows of a Gazan poet’s words and collective stories. Its arching shape mirrors the kites flown by children in Gaza. It stands for rebirth and resilience—both for Gaza and the Palestinian identity.

This exhibition was a celebration of all our work. For me, it was a way to raise awareness about Palestine through drawings, models, and visual storytelling. Seeing these narratives resonate with people meant everything—it reaffirmed why I do this work: to educate, humanise, and inspire.

Looking Ahead

This year, I grew with creativity, as I leaned into challenges and opportunities—tutoring architecture and photography, joining four student clubs, and sharpening my skills in calligraphy and model-making.

As I search for work, my long-term dream is to blend architecture with cultural advocacy. I want to design spaces that heal, empower, and honour refugee-background communities—especially Palestinian stories. I believe in the power of art and architecture to start conversations, create belonging, and resist erasure.

Finding Home and Purpose in Aotearoa, New Zealand

By Kit Hung | Bachelor of Computer Science

As an international student arriving in Aotearoa from Hong Kong, I had a suitcase of ambition and a future of uncertainty. I was granted asylum seeker status, then refugee status. Now, I am now settled in Wellington, studying for a degree I once only dreamed about.

Starting university was exciting, but overwhelming. I struggled through the first Trimester, feeling stuck in limbo as uncertainty about my residency status weighed me down. But by the second Trimester, with help from student support services, I started to find my footing and earned my first A+.

From there, I began to thrive—not just in study, but in other aspects of life. Getting involved in student groups like VISA (Victoria International Students Association) and Vic Without Barriers helped me feel connected. I made good friends and became part of a community.

With a strong foundation finally in place, I started chasing two dreams: one in cybersecurity, the other on the football pitch. I am now working towards becoming a cybersecurity analyst with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service—and training to be a certified FIFA referee. One day, I hope to represent Aotearoa at the World Cup.

One of the biggest accomplishments in my journey happened recently. After almost two years of paperwork, advocacy, and endless phone calls, my mum’s residency was finally approved. Coordinating housing and navigating support systems was difficult, but worth it. I am counting down the days until we’re together again.

My path hasn’t been straightforward, but every challenge has revealed a deeper purpose. I have built resilience, found belonging, and learned to dream big. More than anything, I have found a place to call home.

Share your artwork

We're continuing our tradition of storytelling through art and want to see your creative work.

Why share?

Inspire others and get noticed in our community. Your artwork could be featured in our newsletter, social media, or webpage. Plus, you'll get a token of appreciation if selected. Don't worry, we'll return your artwork if you ask.

What are we looking for?

Show us your journey—whether it's about climate, humanity, courage, strength, achievements, or life experiences. We can't wait to see what you create!

Submission guidelines 

• Artwork format—Any medium (JPEG or PNG, max 10MB).
• Your bio—A brief summary about your life and accomplishments (45-60 words, PDF or Word Doc).
• Portrait—Your favourite image of yourself (JPEG or PNG).
• Submission—Email your work to refugee-backgroundstudents@vuw.ac.nz.
• Closing date—5pm, Monday 1 September 2025.

Workshops and Resources

Want to improve your English and meet international students? 

English Conversation Hour provides a relaxed and informal environment, where you can practice your English and make social connections.

Drop in for some casual conversation from 3-4pm on Fridays in the Kirk Building, Room 1.

Meet your Refugee-Background Adviser—Abdul Haidari 

Stay connected

Check out our website for useful information www.wgtn.ac.nz/refugee-background

Follow us on Instagram @vuwequitywellbeing

Connect with us on Facebook

Questions? Email refugee-backgroundstudents@vuw.ac.nz