Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.
Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
Zaki Ayubi is one of four outstanding rangatahi kahukura honoured for their inspirational mahi at the E Tū Whānau Ann Dysart Kahukura Award ceremony held at Ōrongomai Marae, Upper Hutt on 1 July 2026.
Zaki is an Advocacy Ambassador with World Vision New Zealand and a passionate champion for rangatahi from refugee, migrant and ethnic communities. Through youth leadership and advocacy, he is helping create a more inclusive and equitable future for young people across Aotearoa.
This humble, determined and inspiring young leader draws on his own lived experience as a former refugee to advocate for others facing similar challenges and opportunities. His refugee youth leadership amplifies the voices of under-represented communities and encourages rangatahi to believe in their potential, pursue their aspirations and contribute positively to their communities.
“Through humility, resilience, and a deep commitment to service, Zaki continues to uplift others, amplify under-represented voices, and create pathways for future generations.”
Arif Saeid
Zaki Ayubi – Leader, advocate, changemaker
Zaki’s leadership journey began after arriving in Aotearoa as a young refugee. Navigating a new country, culture and education system helped shape his commitment to ensuring that other young people have access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive. His leadership qualities became evident early, serving as Head Boy at intermediate school and later Deputy Head Student at Papatoetoe High School.
His leadership journey continued as a Senior Youth Leader with New Settlers Family and Community Trust, where he developed his skills mentoring and supporting young people and their whānau. During this time, he became the first refugee recipient of the Sir Peter Blake Young Leader Award, recognising his growing impact as a community leader.
Speaking up for refugee and migrant rangatahi
As a Youth MP representing the Panmure and Ōtāhuhu electorate, Zaki became a powerful voice for refugee and migrant youth. He used his platform to highlight barriers to education equity, advocate for greater inclusion for refugee and migrant communities in New Zealand and encourage decision-makers to better understand the experiences of young people from refugee backgrounds.
Through his work with World Vision New Zealand, Zaki has helped raise awareness of modern slavery and contributed to policy discussions focused on protecting vulnerable communities. His advocacy reflects a strong commitment to social justice and ensuring that all people can live with dignity, safety and opportunity.
As a member of the Police Advisory Board, he also plays an important role in strengthening trust and understanding between rangatahi, communities and public institutions.
One of Zaki’s most powerful moments of public leadership came during World Refugee Day 2025. Speaking about the resilience, strengths and contributions of refugee communities, he challenged New Zealanders to see refugee families not through the lens of hardship, but through the opportunities they create when given the chance to succeed.
Creating pathways for future generations
Zaki’s leadership also extends to the E Tū Whānau kaupapa, where he is a valued contributor to the PALM kaupapa and other rangatahi development opportunities. Through his participation and leadership, he encourages young people to build confidence, connect with their identity and become positive influences within their whānau and communities.
Zaki represents a new generation of leaders who are using their lived experience to create positive change for others. Through humility, courage and an unwavering commitment to service, he is helping ensure that rangatahi from refugee, migrant and ethnic communities can see themselves reflected in leadership and believe in the possibilities ahead of them.
