Kurdish lawyer awarded New Zealand order of merit for supporting refugees

Kurdish lawyer and UNHCR advisor Reez Gardi received the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of her efforts to defend the rights of refugees and vulnerable communities, as well as her work in promoting justice and human rights.

Gardi arrived in New Zealand with her family as a refugee before going on to build a distinguished academic and professional career. She has since become a prominent figure in refugee advocacy and humanitarian work.

The majority of New Zealand's Kurdish community is concentrated in the cities of Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, with varying population sizes across these locations.

During the award ceremony, Gardi wore traditional Kurdish attire, a gesture that reflected her pride in her cultural identity. The honor was widely viewed as recognition of her contributions to society and her support for humanitarian causes at both the national and international levels.

The New Zealand Order of Merit is one of the country's most prestigious national honors. Established in 1996, it is awarded to individuals who have rendered outstanding service or made exceptional contributions to New Zealand or humanity in a wide range of civilian and military fields.

ANHA