Ms Kate Turska, of Auckland, MNZM for services to the Ukrainian community
Kate Turska founded Mahi for Ukraine, with a team of volunteers, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The organisation assists Ukrainian families in New Zealand affected by the war, reunites displaced relatives, raises awareness, and advocates for policies on immigration. It established the Refugee Relocation Trust to support settlement costs for war-affected Ukrainians and has supported new arrivals with visa applications, residency processes, English language skills, CV writing, job searches, and cultural guidance. Ms Turska joined the steering group for Te Whatu Ora’s Health initiative project for Ukraine Special Visa holders, and collaborated with the New Zealand Red Cross to launch the Pathways to Employment for Ukraine programme.