Elizabeth Young

Elizabeth Young is the Chief Executive at KiwiClass Multicultural Support Services, He Amo Taunaki, a not for profit organisation specialising in former refugee and migrant education, employment and social services support in Wellington, New Zealand. With three degrees and many years’ experience in the refugee and humanitarian sector, Elizabeth is a specialist in the areas of refugee resettlement, human rights and asylum issues. Having worked in Thailand, Myanmar/Burma, Australia and New Zealand, and remotely with those imprisoned on Manus and Nauru, Elizabeth has an in-depth understanding of the issues facing people seeking asylum, refugees, internally displaced and stateless people, and other migrants.

An experienced executive manager, Elizabeth has a specific interest in organisational development, community building, policy and advocating for positive change. Elizabeth believes in innovative and modern workplaces that adapt with the times, supporting people to grow and prepare themselves for both their own future, and that of the communities they serve. She has collaborated at all levels of government in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia to implement change that recognises and respects diversity in its many forms.

Elizabeth is very active in her community, promoting volunteerism and service. She is the loving, permanent caregiver to a 15 year old rangitahi in foster care with Oranga Tamariki; she sits on community boards and committees and is also Justice of the Peace. In her voluntary role as a JP, Elizabeth is committed to promoting the civic participation of all New Zealanders, in particular those for whom English is not their first language, where accessing Justice of the Peace services can be confusing and challenging.
​


​